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Rochman Landau LLP at BAFTA with Andrew Sparrow (and other Avatars) ...
2nd Mar 2010
In the wake of the hugely successful film “Avatar”, Rochman Landau LLP’s consultant lawyer Andrew Sparrow headed to BAFTA for the launch of his ground breaking book “The Law of Virtual Worlds and Internet Social Networks”. This book uniquely deals with law governing second world avatars and other virtual places and spaces.
Andrew Sparrow
Andrew held a captive audience of both real and virtual guests. Those not physically present participated from their 'second world' without having to leave their desks. The Avatars, as they are known, were able to watch on as Andrew delivered his talk to his real life audience. They were also invited to participate in the event by directing their own questions to him.
It was great to see so many people from the Advertising and New Media world keenly participating in the many legal issues that arise from their industry.
Those in the room enjoyed a fantastic evening and came away wondering what opportunities and potential legal issues could arise from these new mediums of life? For example as we admired the Avatar's virtual clothing and accessories guests were advised as to how international laws would deal with copyright breaches in the second world, and also how commercial firms could prepare for these circumstances in drafting their terms and conditions and warranties and indemnities.
Perhaps more personally we wondered whether the activities of our virtual-selves, in the second world, could become a reality of divorce law. We questioned whether our virtual relationships could be deemed to be adulterous or at the very least evidence of unreasonable behaviour.
In addition the lawyers amongst us wondered whether this second world presented opportunities for offering legal advice virtually.
We still consider face to face interaction to be invaluable when giving legal advice. However, perhaps in the spirit of new age interaction you could let us have your thoughts by emailing Georgina Hamblin of Rochman Landau LLP on georginah@rochmanlandau.co.uk
John Finlay, Dominic Holden and Georgina Hamblin of Rochman Landau LLP