![]() 20Bartle states that "virtual worlds are computer-moderated, persistent environments through and with which multiple individuals may interact simultaneously". 19 However, for the purpose of this paper the definition of virtual worlds as developed by Bartle will be used. In plain, everyday language one could define a virtual world as an alternative non-physical world, in contrast to the real, physical world we live in. This statement leads to the question of the definition of a virtual world. Virtual property originates from and can be found inside virtual worlds. The first issue has to do with the origin of the concept of virtual property, 17 and the second issue has to do with the importance of virtual property as a new object of property law. 16 With regard to the other types of virtual property mentioned above, they are dealt with elsewhere.īefore investigating the concept of virtual property in more depth, it will be beneficial to briefly mention two issues that are exceptionally important for one's understanding of virtual property. 15 However, the focus in this paper will be on the type of virtual property found inside virtual worlds. ![]() 10 Indeed, one could go so far as to include digital goods, such as digital versions of books (e-books), 11 computer or smartphone programmes or apps, 12 television series and movies 13 as well as digital music (albums and tracks) 14 as objects of virtual property. 9 One could even venture to include certain other accepted immaterial property objects such as bank accounts, stocks, options and derivatives under the umbrella of virtual property. 7Even though things like website addresses (URLs) 8 and email addresses are often classified under intellectual property, it is more correct and more appropriate to reclassified them as virtual property. 6 However, it is still property, and it still exists. 4 However, this is incorrect, since virtual property can be equated to immaterial property or even intellectual property when it comes to the question of its existence, 5 since it is something that one cannot touch, cannot taste, and cannot pick up and take home. When the term is used, some people immediately think that virtual property is property which does not exist. Because the term "virtual property" has a very subjective element, 3 the concept needs to be narrowed down for the purpose of this paper. What then, one may ask, is virtual property? As with most areas of the law, a universally accepted definition is hard to come by, but this paper will aim to provide some clarity on the issue. In essence, the purpose of this article is to serve as an introduction to the world of virtual property and also to very briefly note the relevance of virtual property in modern society. At the very least, the general field of virtual property as a topic makes for great party conversation. 1 Even if people do not understand the underlying maze of theoretical and practical complexities, 2 they still want to know more. There is something intrinsically alluring about the thought of being able to own something that is not there. This is true for people both inside and outside the legal profession. It imposes a sense of awe in an audience. The topic of virtual property is both magical and mythical. Keywords: virtual property virtual worlds intangible property intangible objects objects of property law property law Second Life Facebook World of Warcraft immersion virtual reality virtual property theft intangible property The discussion of virtual property will be facilitated by reference to some of the ancillary and more complicated areas of the field to serve as a point of reference leading to an understanding of the concept of virtual property in general. However, the focus in this paper is on the type of virtual property found inside virtual worlds. Indeed, one can go so far as to include digital goods, such as digital versions of books (e-books), computer or smartphone programmes or apps, television series and movies as well as digital music (albums and tracks) as objects of virtual property. It includes (amongst other things) website addresses and email addresses as well as certain other accepted immaterial property objects such as bank accounts, stocks, options and derivatives. ![]() Virtual property is still property, and it still exists even though it is intangible. A universally accepted definition of virtual property is hard to come by, but the paper will aim to provide some clarity on the issue. ![]() ![]() Email: article serves as an introduction to the concept of virtual property and also to very briefly note the relevance of virtual property in modern society. Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Associate Professor in Law at North-West University, South Africa. Hons BA (Classical Literature) LLB LLM (International Trade Law) LLD (Stell). Introduction to virtual property: Lex virtualis ipsa loquitur ![]()
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