IP Protection for Virtual Goods in the Metaverse: Challenges and the Way Forward

Introduction The Metaverse has rapidly evolved from an imaginative science-fiction construct into a functioning digital environment where users interact, trade, and participate in virtual economies. Platforms such as Fortnite, Roblox, Meta’s Horizon Worlds, Decentraland, and Sandbox allow users to purchase and showcase virtual clothing, digital artworks, music tracks, avatar accessories, and even virtual plots of land. These assets—commonly referred to as virtual goods —often involve real...