Πνευματική ιδιοκτησία και Metaverse

Σαράκη, Ιουλία

Master Thesis

Author

Σαράκη, Ιουλία

Date

2024-12-31

Abstract

Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the fields of new technologies and intellectual property, this dissertation examines the relationship between copyright law and the Metaverse, highlighting the legal challenges arising from the convergence of these two domains. The study aims to analyze the new realities introduced by the Metaverse in copyright matters, focusing on the possibilities for protecting creators, potential infringements, and the regulatory solutions that can be implemented. Initially, the study provides a conceptual analysis of the Metaverse, emphasizing its fundamental characteristics while also examining the different types of Metaverse environments (open and closed) and their impact on digital ownership rights. The Metaverse is not merely an evolution of the internet but a new dimension of virtual reality, where ownership and economic activity take on novel forms. Users generate original content, which falls under copyright protection; however, the enforcement of related legal frameworks in this virtual environment presents significant complexities. The study focuses on the legal dimensions of creations generated within the Metaverse, such as the ownership of digital objects, software protection, copyright over avatars, and the licensing of digital content. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of existing copyright laws at both national and international levels, as well as on the challenges posed by the decentralized and cross-border nature of the Metaverse. Users create original content that is subject to copyright regulations, but the implementation of these legal provisions in a virtual setting remains intricate. Additionally, the research examines issues related to copyright infringements in the Metaverse, presenting landmark legal cases that have already highlighted significant legal concerns, such as the unauthorized use of artworks and digital creations. The responsibilities of platforms and users, as well as the enforcement mechanisms for copyright protection, are analyzed. In this context, Metaverse platforms are categorized into centralized (such as Meta Horizons and Roblox) and decentralized (such as Decentraland and The Sandbox), each with different approaches to ownership and the management of digital assets. Significant attention is given to challenges associated with interoperability and jurisdiction. The cross-border nature of the Metaverse makes the enforcement of national laws difficult, while the absence of a clear regulatory framework creates legal uncertainties. Simultaneously, user anonymity complicates the enforcement of copyright laws and raises compliance challenges with established legal principles. The dissertation concludes that the legal protection of copyright in the Metaverse requires a multi-layered approach that combines regulatory interventions and international cooperation. It proposes the development of new monitoring mechanisms, the adaptation of existing legal tools, and the formation of a flexible framework that ensures both the protection of creators and innovation within the digital economy. As the Metaverse continues to evolve, the need for clear guidelines and regulatory measures becomes increasingly pressing, shaping a new landscape for copyright law in the digital world.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Δίκαιο και Τεχνολογίες Πληροφορικής και Επικοινωνιών (MSc in Law and Information and Communication Technologies)

Department

Σχολή Τεχνολογιών Πληροφορικής και Επικοινωνιών. Τμήμα Ψηφιακών Συστημάτων

Number of pages

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/17438

Collections

Τμήμα Ψηφιακών Συστημάτων

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα