As we begin, it seems fitting to define what is meant by distributed ledger technology in a clear and comprehensible way, especially for those unfamiliar with the subject. We will then go on to outline the different types of DLT and consensus protocols in a non-exhaustive manner. The above-mentioned technology is key, as the distributed ledger is structured as a chain of blocks in blockchain.We will continue our analysis by outlining the characteristics such as decentralization, transparency, security, immutability and efficiency which are the foundations of a blockchain, before addressing the essential concepts in this world such as addresses, wallets and transactions. Afterwards, we will give an overview of Bitcoin and Ethereum.The lex cryptographia - can blockchain completely extricate itself from the regulatory framework? This question will be the subject of our analysis. Afterwards, we will present a case study related to the EBSI and IBSI projects.In the majority view, smart contracts are a form of software. There are however also opposing views and we believe it is appropriate to address both, thus we will analyse whether the essential elements of traditional contracts exist in smart contracts and focus, albeit briefly, on possible pathological causes. We will then move to a comparative analysis of smart contracts and blockchain regulations in the United States (also focusing on some aspects at the individual state level), Switzerland, China and the United Kingdom then looking at EU regulations and single states, including Germany, Malta and Italy. Finally, still on the subject of smart contracts, we will try to summarize different issues raised recently in the legal domain.Some other interesting questions emerge in the evolution or, in any case, in the implications of smart contracts such as their practical aspects, smart legal contracts, the ways in which blockchain is in contact with the off-chain world, the phenomenon of DAOs and their evolution. To close the third chapter, we will also examine the role that new professional figures could play, or are already playing, when faced with the spread of these technologies, with a focus on the economic and legal aspects.Our journey concludes with a focus on topics which are extremely prevalent today but are by no means new: NFTs and their legal implications. Closely related to the world of NFTs, we will deal with the "Metaverse" and its related rights. The paper will conclude with another practical case study focusing on Meta Platforms Inc
