Researchers in the United Kingdom have examined the applicability of current intellectual property (IP) laws to emerging technologies like the metaverse. The study identified deficiencies in existing laws and proposed recommendations.
On March 7, the U.K. government released a research report titled “IP and Metaverse,” commissioned externally. The report delved into how IP laws intersect with the metaverse and addressed metaverse-specific IP challenges, including governance in an interoperable environment and regulation of technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).
The report highlighted legal hurdles associated with interoperability, such as unauthorized dissemination of copyrighted material. Lack of interoperability has historically hindered illegal distribution of copyrighted content. Given interoperability’s significance in the metaverse, governing the use and circulation of copyrighted work poses a challenge.
The report discussed challenges posed by blockchain’s immutability and tamper-proof nature to enforcing IP laws. Blockchain’s resistance to change complicates IP rights management, particularly in ownership disputes and termination of agreements within the metaverse.
Algorithmic management of infringements in the potential metaverse governance of IP presents vulnerabilities due to the lack of human oversight. AI-generated content also raises concerns, potentially invalidating claims of inventorship. The study highlighted cases where only works partially assisted by AI are protected by IP laws.
Anticipating challenges in IP governance within the metaverse, the researchers emphasized the necessity of clarity on various key issues. These include legal matters related to copyrights, trademarks, patents, designs, user-generated content, virtual property, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within the metaverse. Consequently, the researchers advocated for developing IP approaches to address governance and enforcement challenges in the metaverse.
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