Playboy investigates virtual knock-offs

One of the more unusual reports to come from Second Life is CNN's report (picked up by New World Notes) of virtual playboy staff checking out fakes in the online world.

According to New World Notes, "Voluptuous managers Kimberly Laughton and Kattatonic Yates" are "showing up in full regalia at sites advertising knock-off Playboy items, and scrupulously taking notes."

Despite the slightly surreal mental image that this brings up, intellectual property in virtual worlds is a big deal. For example, last year one report cited the fact that there were 16 outlets selling Ferrari cars in SL, despite the fact that Ferrari has no official presence there.

And the biggest victims are usually SL-only retailers rather than established real world brands - people who make their living from selling virtual products in the world. Which prompted some of Second Life's more established product designers to join forces in an in-world ad campaign to highlight content theft.

Second Life competitor There.com in fact makes a lot out of the greater brand control it offers corporates. Along with the fact that you won't have to worry about your launch party being interrupted by flying penises.

Photo - Micala under a creative commons license.