Can virtual assets be copyrighted in the Metaverse?

Yes, in the Metaverse, virtual assets can be subject to copyright, much like assets in the physical world. Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation, without the need for registration once certain criteria are met. Virtual assets in the Metaverse can all be subject to copyright protection, much like digital assets outside the Metaverse, such as digital images, videos, and websites. Since copyright laws are largely harmonized internationally through the Berne Convention, the principles governing copyright protection for virtual assets should be relatively consistent, regardless of where one accesses the Metaverse or creates virtual assets that are subject to copyright.