Virtual Rights? Property in Online Game Objects and Characters

(2008) 17(2) Information and Communications Technology Law 95-106

27 Pages Posted: 25 Aug 2013

See all articles by Rónán Kennedy

Rónán Kennedy

University of Galway - School of Law

Date Written: February 23, 2008

Abstract

Players in online games are claiming the right to trade virtual “goods,” something which is contested by game developers and generally prohibited by the contracts they offer to prospective players. This article argues that although this claim does not fit easily into the framework of copyright law, the continuing expansion of information technology into every aspect of everyday life makes the recognition of such rights inevitable. There are also good theoretical arguments for granting players the ability to trade their virtual possessions for real money.

Keywords: Internet law, copyright law, online games, virtual worlds

JEL Classification: K29

Suggested Citation

Kennedy, Rónán, Virtual Rights? Property in Online Game Objects and Characters (February 23, 2008). (2008) 17(2) Information and Communications Technology Law 95-106, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2315220

Rónán Kennedy (Contact Author)

University of Galway - School of Law ( email )

Newcastle Road
Galway
Ireland

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