Patents in metaverse: an analysis of scope and challenges

'Metaverse' is set to be the disruptive technology which is about to bring an overhaul in the functioning of myriad sectors ranging from education, entertainment, health care, businesses amongst others. The key feature of this technology is the immersion of physical world into a virtual world. Metaverse in a way finds its roots on the technologies of Virtual/ Augmented Reality (VR/AR) which essentially are about simulating real world and augmenting the real – world experience in the digital world. Intellectual Property Rights which exist for protection of intangible assets, hence are vital in perspective of Metaverse. This research analyses the IP form of Patents in reference to Metaverse. Patents are an attractive choice due to the commercial advantage and the higher level of protection it offers compared to other IP forms. The trend of surge in patent applications seen with emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain is likely to be reflected with metaverse. The article views the metaverse and patent domain through an overarching lens gauging the possible scope and challenges. The analysis is based on US, EU and Indian patent laws to get a comprehensive picture across the world.