Metaverse, virtual property and IP ownership : a comparative perspective on US, EU, and India

Abstract

In March 2023, the WIPO delved into the complex Nexus of Metaverse and Intellectual property (IP) rights. As online Metaverse platforms gain prominence, concerns about legal identity and ownership of virtual property heighten. Massively Multiplayer role-playing games (MMORPGs) and real-world monetary transactions of virtual assets spark debates on liability and ownership. This paper examines the challenges of determining ownership in a metaverse, involving multiple servers, transnational users, and varying legal landscapes in the United States (US), European Union (EU), and India.