Tokenizing Real World Assets

Overview

Tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) allows physical or legal assets such as property titles, certificates, products, or ownership rights to be represented digitally on the blockchain. By anchoring key information (ownership details, provenance, legal documents) into a tamper-proof NFT, the Real Network makes these assets transferable, auditable, and programmable. This guide explains how to create a non‑fungible token (NFT) on the Real Network that represents a real‑world asset (RWA) such as a document, product, or ownership right.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Tokenizing real‑world assets may have legal and regulatory implications. Consult legal advisors before launching a live product. This guide covers the technical workflow only.


Overview

On the Real Network (an EVM‑compatible Layer 1), you can represent an RWA by linking:

  • An NFT contract (ERC‑721) → The on‑chain representation.

  • Provenance data → Document hashes, attestations, or certificates that tie the NFT to its real‑world counterpart.

  • Metadata storage → IPFS or another decentralized file system for documents and media.


Prerequisites

  • Environment: Ubuntu 22.04 / macOS with Node.js 18+

  • Wallet: A funded account on the Real Network (testnet or mainnet)

  • Tools: Hardhat, OpenZeppelin Contracts


Project Setup

Configure .env:

Update hardhat.config.ts:


Metadata Schema

Use a JSON schema for provenance and asset details. Example (metadata.json):


NFT Contract Example

contracts/RealAssetNFT.sol:


Deployment Script

scripts/deploy.ts:

Deploy:


Minting Example

scripts/mint.ts:

Run:


Verification and Usage

  • Check on Explorer: Use Real Explorer (https://explorer.reallayer.com) to view token details

  • Read anchor: Call anchorOf(tokenId) to confirm provenance data.

  • Resolve metadata: Load tokenURI(tokenId) to fetch IPFS JSON.


Next Steps

  • Integrate revocation registry to invalidate expired/forged assets.

  • Add role-based access control (AccessControl) for multiple issuers.

  • Extend to ERC‑1155 if representing fungible + non‑fungible hybrids.

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