Towards a Lex Metaversi? The law applicable to virtual real estate in the metaverse

Recently, substantial investments in strategically located virtual lands and buildings within the metaverse have been garnering significant attention. The regulatory framework governing these investments lacks clarity and traditional choice of law rules encounter challenges related to decentralized ownership of virtual real estate and complex digital frameworks. This article explores the concept of virtual real estate and discusses the limitations of applying choice of law rules to resolve conflicts concerning land in the metaverse. It advocates for the use of ‘voie directe’ methods to effectively address these challenges – an approach that could ultimately contribute to the development of a Lex Metaversi , an evolving set of rules specifically tailored to the dynamics of the metaverse.