論比特幣與比特幣之債

Bitcoins and Obligations Payable in Bitcoins

比特幣是典型的加密貨幣或虛擬通貨，從2009年問世以來，其法律性質的定性問題就一直是各國政府及學者的注意焦點。本文探討比特幣的實際內容及特性，再依我國現行法律及各國之法律框架分析，探究其在我國法律的性質，確定其非屬貨幣、電子錢、數位貨幣，而屬於無體財產及洗錢防制法規定的虛擬通貨。在比特幣的權利變動方面，本文認為不宜直接適用關於動產物權變動的規定。關於比特幣之債，本文以臺南地院2017年的一則判決為例，說明當事人間債之關係涉及比特幣者，其約定未必為比特幣的消費借貸，也可能為金錢借貸加上購買或投資比特幣的混合契約，此時應探究當事人之真意再予以定性。比特幣及其他虛擬通貨的法制發展，迄今已逐漸在許多國家的立法、司法實踐及法律框架的分析中，獲得若干基本問題的共識，例如確認其非屬於依法發行的貨幣、應將其納入洗錢防制的體系、應區別其性質而分別適用法律、具有證券之性質者應適用證券交易的規定等，臺灣的洗錢防制法2018年修正及金管會2019年命令，都是回應此等共識的新規制，未來仍值得再持續關注與回應。

Among thousands of cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies, bitcoins are the most typical and successful ones. Since its introduction in 2009, Bitcoin has been attracting the attention of governments and scholars around the world to characterize it. In this Article, the bitcoins are categorized as intangible property or virtual currencies, falling out of fiat currencies, legal tenders, electronic money and digital currencies after exploring their contents and features. The rights over bitcoins are created, transferred and perished under a new set of norms which are still developing. The direct application of rules on rights over movables is inappropriate. A judgment decided by the Tainan District Court illustrates the obligations payable in bitcoins. It is suggested that the real intention of the parties shall be seriously sought in characterizing the contractual legal relationship. It can be a mixed contract of borrowing money to buy or invest in bitcoins other than a pure loan for consumption of bitcoins. This Article analyzes the recent development on legislative and judicial practice and legal framework on bitcoins and other virtual currencies and found that some consensus has been reached during the latest years. The revision of the Taiwanese Money Laundering Control Act in 2018 and the issuance of order by the Taiwanese Financial Supervisory Commission to approve inclusion of the tokens of security into the legislative term ＂securities＂ in the Securities and Exchange Act are the latest regulatory measures adopted to respond the recent development. The future development deserves our persistent attention and action.