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WSJ Online tells about Second Life, an on-line site where people live out (so to speak) alternatives to their real lives. One of the features is virtual fashion; participants like to dress up their avatars, and a design industry has developed to sell them clothes and skin textures, for First Life cash.
A problem:
A continuing headache for many designers is the ease with which others can copy their creations, and several have discovered boutiques that sell knockoffs of their clothes. A well-known Second Life designer was recently accused of stealing skin textures and withdrew from Second Life after receiving harassing messages. Linden says it investigates accusations of design theft, and repeat offenders can have their online accounts closed. Some designers, like DE Designs' Mr. Hester, have taken steps to copyright their work. As we keep saying, property rights are essential to the functioning of any society -- even an imaginary one.
posted by James DeLong @ 7:15 AM | Big Tent
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