United Kingdom researchers have examined the applicability of current intellectual property laws and their adaptations to new technologies like the metaverse. The study identified shortcomings in existing laws and presented recommendations on the issue. On March 7th, the UK government published a research report titled Intellectual Property and Metaverse. The report reviewed the current literature on intellectual property laws and how they could be applied to the metaverse.
UK’s Metaverse Report Highlights
Within the scope of the study, researchers concluded that there are specific intellectual property issues in the metaverse, such as governance of intellectual property in a collaborative environment and regulation of technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence in virtual worlds. According to the report, there are numerous legal challenges in the interoperability process, including unauthorized distribution of copyrighted works. Researchers emphasized that the lack of interoperability is significant in preventing the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials.
Since interoperability is an important feature in a metaverse universe, researchers believe it could pose a challenge in managing the use and circulation of copyrighted works. Meanwhile, the unique characteristics of the blockchain field, such as immutability or protection against alteration, also pose challenges in the application of intellectual property laws. Researchers shared the following statements:
“Blockchain’s inherent resistance to change or correction weakens the ability to manage or update intellectual property rights flexibly. This is particularly concerning in the context of property disputes and when licensors or rights holders wish to exit the Metaverse, regarding the termination of agreements and rights.”
Notable Details on the Issue
The use of artificial intelligence in potential metaverse governance also brings up certain challenges. Researchers argued that the algorithmic management of violations is extremely vulnerable to misuse due to the lack of human oversight to ensure legitimacy.
Additionally, content generated by artificial intelligence presents another challenge in the enforcement of intellectual rights in the metaverse space. According to the study, relying on AI tools has the potential to invalidate claims of invention in content. The research highlighted examples and cases showing that works partially supported by artificial intelligence can be protected by intellectual property laws.
Researchers concluded that due to the anticipated problems in the governance of intellectual property within the metaverse, clarity is needed on numerous key issues. These issues include copyrights, trademarks, patents, designs, user-generated content, virtual property, and legal matters related to NFTs within the metaverse. Therefore, researchers believe that intellectual property approaches need to be formulated for governance and implementation specific to the metaverse.
