Blockchain Integration And Trademark Protection In The Indian Metaverse: Bridging Law And Technology
- IJLLR Journal
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
Iris Jeejo, Christ University Pune, Lavasa Campus
ABSTRACT
The metaverse reflects a new frontier where ownership, identity, and commerce are increasingly defined through blockchain technology. This paper identifies how the existing trademark framework in India-hinged on the Trade Marks Act, 1999-fails to address questions of ownership and infringement within decentralized, virtual ecosystems. Although blockchain provides transparency and verifiable proof of digital assets, Indian law is based on territorial notions of "use" and "jurisdiction," thus making enforcement difficult. The study thus identifies this gap and provides a hybrid legal–technological model incorporating blockchain into India's trademark system to allow for legally enforceable and technologically verifiable protection of virtual assets. Based on doctrinal and analytical methodology, this paper analyzes how blockchain records could form the basis of admissible evidence, smart contracts could accelerate licensing, and what statutory reforms are required to revamp the existing Indian IP regime. It further proposes the establishment of a Blockchain- Enabled Trademark Registry and policy coordination between NITI Aayog, MeitY, and private innovators. It submits, lastly, that India's future preparedness in digital governance will ensue from harmonization of law and technology-the building of a trademark regime capable of protecting intellectual property in the times of the metaverse.
Keywords: Metaverse, Blockchain, Trademark Law, Digital Ownership, Intellectual Property Rights, India
