Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Real-World Lawyers Set Up Shop in Second Life

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2009 9:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – A bed designed for avatar sex? That's intellectual property. An agreement between virtual real estate developers? It's an oral contract. Or so say some lawyers, who are opening offices to handle disputes in the virtual, online world of Second Life, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "It's an emerging area of law, which is really a treat for attorneys," says one Silicon Valley lawyer.

In Second Life, players use a currency that can be exchanged for real US dollars. They also purchase virtual property and create items protected by intellectual copyright. So some lawyers are even setting up shop in-game—which one Silicon Valley attorney warns against. With Second Life designer Linden Labs able to access all chats, he says, no conversation is truly confidential.

In this photo provided by Linden Lab, Zee Linden is pictured in a screen shot from “Second Life.”
In this photo provided by Linden Lab, Zee Linden is pictured in a screen shot from “Second Life.”   (AP Photo/Linden lab)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Farmville Maker Zynga's IPO Pegs Value at $7B

Online Piracy Bill Becomes Major Battle

Paterno Turns to Criminal Defense Lawyer

Got a Tech Hunch? Use 'Milkshake Test'

Bieber Baby Mama Faces Assault Charge


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne