Friday Roundup: Bitcoin, Silk Road and Apple E-Books

Technology can't seem to stop stepping on the law's toes. Today we have a roundup of tech-legal news that just won't stop featuring some usual suspects: Bitcoin, Silk Road and Apple. Read on for the full report:

Bitcoin and USPS?

Yep, you read that right. You might be able to withdraw Bitcoins from a United States Post Office one day. The USPS Office of Inspector General held a webinar last week to "explore the possibilities" of providing non-banking financial services, including "providing bitcoin exchange services at post offices," according to Main Street. While Bitcoin has been gaining increased legitimacy, as seen by recent federal hearings, the presence of Bitcoin exchanges in post offices would bring it to a whole new level.

The Latest in the Silk Road Saga

Back in October Ross Ulbricht, purported founder of Silk Road, was arrested and the site was shut down. Earlier this week, Ulbricht was formally charged in a 12-page indictment that included computer hacking conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and narcotics trafficking conspiracy, among other things. His lawyer stated: "Ross will be pleading not guilty at the arraignment. The indictment was expected and does not contain any new factual allegations. We look forward to beginning the discovery process and preparing Ross's defense," reports Ars Technica.

Apple E-Books Monitoring

In the latest legal maneuver in one of many of Apple's legal battles, the technology giant made an emergency request asking the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to delay supervision by its court-appointed monitor Michael Bromwich, reports Bloomberg. Apple argues that Bromwich took "inappropriate actions beyond the scope of his authority and interfering with the way it does business, according to Bloomberg. We are awaiting a decision, and will keep you posted.

Related Resources:

• It's Official, Bitcoin is Money, Honey (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
• It's Baaaack: Silk Road 2.0 Is Here (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
• Apple Loses E-Book Price Fixing Suit; Drops 'App Store' Lawsuit (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
• FindLaw's Legal Technology Center (FindLaw)