IPR Enforcement In The Metaverse: Legal Challenges And Future Directions
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Abhishek Banerjee, Amity Law School, Amity University, Noida
ABSTRACT
Intellectual property rights (IPR) encompass ideas, inventions, and creative works that society recognizes as property deserving protection. These rights grant creators or inventors exclusive privileges, allowing them to benefit commercially from their innovations and reputations. In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, the emergence of the metaverse marks a significant shift in internet technology, offering more immersive and interactive digital experiences. As the boundaries between physical and virtual lives become increasingly blurred, users are engaging in virtual spaces where the creation, sale, and purchase of digital goods are commonplace. These rapid transformations introduce new complexities and risks for participants-whether users, developers, or platform owners-within the metaverse. Such changes necessitate a re-examination of regulatory frameworks, particularly with respect to intellectual property rights. This study aims to explore both the opportunities and challenges that the metaverse presents for IPR, focusing specifically on the Indian context. The paper examines key issues surrounding the creation, ownership, and enforcement of intellectual property in digital environments. Particular attention is given to the unique features of the metaverse, including user- generated content, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and immersive digital experiences, which often challenge the adequacy of existing legal doctrines. Ultimately, the paper contends that a critical reassessment and potential evolution of copyright and trademark law are essential for effectively safeguarding intellectual property in the rapidly evolving metaverse.
Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights, Metaverse, Legal Challenges and IP Protection.
