Patents in virtual worlds
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This sentence is worth reading:
“There are 20+ patent applications up for review by the USPTO right now “involving virtual worlds and different types of credit accounts, charge accounts, escrow transactions, risk mitigation (to name a few) used within these worlds,” explained Samuel Weis, who is in charge of reviewing the applications”.
Do you know what it means?
It means that in a few years, or even months, patents will start working and limiting virtual worlds or, if used correctly, will be their main economic engine, fostering innovation and research investments.
Problem is that virtual worlds seem too tightly connected to US legislations, which is NOT the best one in terms of patents and regulations. This may mean that europeans, and asians, will start asking for a more international version of virtual “laws” and patent rules.
I fear that this kind of dialogue will not arrive untile late, and therefore we will witness a short but intense period of patent fights. Those few capable of handling these complex issues will become rich lawyers, of course :-)
You see, every day something comes out and reminds me of the necessity of having world rules for technology, and virtual worlds. Standards foster innovation; local rules, don’t.
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POSTED IN: second life
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