The concept of the metaverse – a virtual world where people can interact with each other and digital objects, in a highly immersive environment – is becoming more and more popular. With the rapid development of virtual reality technology, the metaverse is expected to become a new economy with its own set of legal challenges. In this course, we will explore the legal implications of the metaverse from various angles (intellectual property law, privacy law, labour law, criminal law), with a focus on specific metaverse issues (NFTs, cryptocurrencies, avatars). 

Coordination:

Vera Lúcia Raposo, NOVA School of Law

Schedule:

6pm to 7.30pm (Lisbon time)

Workload:

22.30 teaching hours, seminar style. Estimated 112 hours of work for those wishing to submit their final work for the purpose of assessment and certification.

Format:

Online course (remote teaching via the Zoom platform)

Language:

English

Registration Fee:

• 350 euros (student fee)
• 600 euros (full fee applicable to all other attendees)

Minimum and maximum number of registrants:

20-45 participants

Target audience:

The course is designed for and aimed at master students with a legal background. The course is open to all those who wish to learn and expand their understanding of the metaverse.

Certification and credits:

4 ECTS. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate attesting to the successful completion of this ECTS course at level 7 under the European qualification framework (master level). Attendance of at least 80% of the sessions will give rise to a certificate of attendance.

Admission requirements:

A basic understanding of contract, intellectual property, and privacy laws is recommended but not required. Students with other backgrounds are welcome, as long as they are interested in the metaverse’s legal aspects.

Assessment:

Submission of a reflective diary or learning log required (2000-2500 words).

Course objectives:

• Understand the legal challenges and opportunities of the metaverse.
• Analyse and apply legal principles to metaverse scenarios.
• Develop legal strategies for metaverse businesses and individuals.
• Critically evaluate the ethical implications and social impact of the metaverse.