Second Life Lawsuit

I Ran across an intersting article (in PCWorld) about a Second Life lawsuit. A federal district court in Brooklyn, New York is hearinga case involving the theft and resale of Second Life products (cloths, shoes etc...).

"Six Second Life merchants that sell their wears in the virtual world of Second Life are suing a Queens' man for the theft of their – go figure -- "adult-themed virtual objects." Most objects are not adult-themed and include shoes and clothes. But others are more exotic."

"The plaintiffs are suing for an undisclosed amount, but in claiming jurisdiction, the New York court says "the amount in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $75,000."

It doesn't surprise me so much that there is a lawsuit involving the copyright of these items. When ever there is money involved lawsuts are soon to follow. What surprised me was that the Linden Labs official claims that there is $1 million in transaction in Second Life everyday. I knew it is popular but that level of commercialism surprised me.

"As trivial as a lawsuit over virtual matters may seem, we are talking real money here. Second Life's owner Linden Labs says the virtual world has over 9 million users and that nearly $1 million of transactions take place on Second Life each day. Put that in your virtual pipe."

http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/005816.html