Virtual Law - virtually real.

"Virtual law is interesting because these environments are in one sense fictional, in another very real. People invest real money and time and create real relationships" - Greg Lastowka

I have spent my share of time in online and have also created content in these worlds. Sometimes even linking them to real world art and products. I have met many people doing the same and we have spoken many times about the legal implications and any protection that is afforded to us as content creators.

Generally your copywrite is honoured and there isn't really an issue, however with the online world becoming even more real and indepth it's aparent that some kind of process and legal protection needs to be established.

Worlds such as Second Life and others afford a huge range of options for creating content. This provides a very rich world of art and products tapping into creativity that may be difficult or impossible in real life.

The following article includes and interview with Greg and makes for interesting reading.

via CultureLab: Online law man: Virtual worlds need real laws.