Virtual Property: Issues in Buying and Selling Virtual Goods

Moderator: Kirk Soderquist, Perkins Coie LLP
Panelist: Don McGowan, Microsoft Corporation
Panelist: Neal Black, Live Gamer, Inc.
Panelist: Sean F. Kane, Drakeford & Kane LLC

This presentation will look at MMOGs and virtual worlds to examine virtual property and the intersection of real money in a virtual world. We'll look at several issues such as: What is virtual property and who owns it? What is the legal status of an in-game currency? What is the future of virtual property and the exchange of virtual goods. How does the exchange of virtual property impact the relationship of publishers, developers and those companies providing a market for the exchange of virtual property? What regulatory issues are impacted by buying and selling virtual property? What are some of the business issues in hosting MMOGs, virtual worlds, and marketplaces for the exchange of virtual property? How do real-world legal issues like gambling and illegal lotteries play out in an interactive world? We’ll also provide some information about the legal landscape regarding MMOGs, virtual worlds, and marketplaces for the exchange of virtual goods outside the US (in Korea, China and the EU).

Intended Audience: In-house counsel, business development directors, game developers, publishers and attorneys

Prerequisites: None

Format: Panel

Track: Business/Legal

Date/Time: Wednesday, 10:30 AM

Room: Harbor