网络虚拟财产权与版权之辨

The Distinction between Internet Virtual Property Rights and Copyright

网络虚拟财产权是一种新型财产持有权,其本质特征是在合法性前提下,对客体的数字虚拟支配控制。虚拟控制主要有两种形态:一是由主持有者和次级持有者共同组成的层级性控制;二是代表他人利益的代为控制。网络虚拟财产与版权有密切的联系。版权人可以利用技术措施有效地虚拟支配和控制作品复制件或复制源的访问和使用,但不应借助网络虚拟财产权不正当地排除或限制作品的合理使用。同时,网络虚拟财产权也不能否定或取代版权。基于区块链技术的非同质化代币(NFT)可以成为版权作品复制件独一无二、不可篡改的数字加密标签。但NFT联动版权并非版权转让或许可的合法有效手段。只有分清网络虚拟财产权与版权各自的特质,才能理清两者之间的复杂关系,避免误解、混淆与误用。

Network virtual property right is a new type of property right based on possession of virtual property with justifications.Possessor and virtual control are the two key elements of such right.Virtual control may take various form,including hierarchical control consisting of principal control and sub-control and custodian control on behalf of real possessor.Network virtual property,such as virtual goods,equipment and characters in visual games,is closely related to copyright.The Technological measure that is capable of virtual control of copies of copyright work against unauthorized copying or use can form the network virtual property for the copyright owner as far as in alignment with the legal protection of copyright.In the hierarchical control system like visual games,users'sub-control of account and virtual goods is subordinate to copyright owner's principal control.Non-fungible token(NFT)that is based on blockchain technology may provide the unique,immutable,digital label to copies of a work.The NFT that is linked up with copyright through smart contract,however,cannot provide the legitimate tools for copyright transfer or licensing.Minting and selling a NFT linked up with copyright without authorization may infringe copyright owner's right of reproduction and right of communication via information network.Like the other e-commerce operational platforms,the digital marketplace providing the services of NFT transactions shall be responsible for taking copyright protection measures as required by the E-Commerce Law.The dynamic and complicated correlation between network virtual property right and copyright shall be assessed according to their respect nature and characters to avoid misunderstanding,mix-up and misuse.