The metaverse is shared interactive and collaborative virtual 3D worlds where people can work and play. Many companies are developing innovations to be used in the metaverse. Seeking patents for these innovations will help ensure they protect their IP rights. As with patent applications for real-world innovations, innovations in the metaverse must meet the subject matter eligibility requirements to get patent protection.

Patent applicants must also meet the requirements of novelty and non-obviousness. One consideration should be whether there is something equivalent outside the metaverse. If where the innovation is used (metaverse vs. non-metaverse) is the only difference between the patent application and another invention, the applicant will face a difficult hurdle to overcome.

Inventors, companies, and their counsel who fail to secure their patent rights for innovations in the metaverse may find it challenging to combat infringement and enforce their patent rights in the metaverse.

Listen as our authoritative panel of IP attorneys examines patent protection in the metaverse. The panel will discuss the challenges of getting patents, subject matter eligibility, and the novelty and non-obviousness requirements. The panel will also discuss using design patents to protect innovations in the metaverse. The panel will offer best practices for protecting innovation in the metaverse.