In this first edition, we’re trying to cover the metaverse and how it relates to the IP world. Not only because it’s current and relevant but because we feel that we need to cut some corners to catch up with the subject matter.  For that purpose, we first need to understand topics like blockchain, NFTs, and Web 3.0, and let you determine if these are merely buzzwords that you can throw around at your next congress reception to look smarter or if there is something more substantial you really need to start catching-up to in order to avoid staying behind in your practice. 

In any case, here’s a selection of notes that our editors at Iberbrand have gathered that capture what people in our business are talking about in relation to this overwhelming subject matter.  Covered articles will respond to questions such as What is the Metaverse? How does it work? Who is building it and how? What applications it has today and what can be expected in the future? What is the relation between the metaverse and the IP world and what is the status of its regulation?

We’re hoping it might help you cover your bases and feel less like an outsider next time people start showing off how much up to date they are with the latest tech trends.  Just avoid acting like the typical “crypto bro” giving advice to potential investors.  We all know how annoying they can be. 

Ibereditor's picks: 

• Navigating the New World of Extended Reality - International Trademark Association - January 6, 2021
• Virtual goods, non-fungible tokens and the metaverse – EUIPO - June 23, 2022
• What Is The Metaverse? Its Meaning & What You Should Know – Seeking Alpha - June 16, 2022
• Microsoft metaverse vs. Facebook metaverse: What´s the difference? – Cointelegraph – February 2022
• Blockchain Meets Intellectual Property: From Theory to Practice - International Trademark Association - Published: March 31, 2021
• NFTs, Brands, and the Metaverse – International Trademark Association - February 16, 2022
• NFTs: royalties and monetization – BRIGHTNODE – June 7, 2021
• Trademark use in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and for virtual goods in the metaverse – The Trademark Lawyer - Aug 11, 2022
• 3 technologies that will shape the future of the metaverse, and the human experience – World economic forum - Feb 7, 2022
• 30 Fascinating NFT Statistics for 2022 – Fortunly – March 25, 20222
• How Farfetch is predicting the future of fashion in Web3 – FAST COMPANY – August 9, 22
• A Potential Problem for Metaverse-Focused Trademark Applications: Premature Specimens – The Fashion Law, August 30, 2022