The metaverse is garnering global attention, prompting the UK government to scrutinize its intellectual property landscape. As of June 30, 2021, there were 71,738 international patent families related to the metaverse, indicating a significant surge in interest from 2015 to 2018. The US leads in patent filings, with Qualcomm and Huawei emerging as prominent players in this domain.

Trademark activity has also seen a substantial uptick, with 31,503 UK trademark applications related to the metaverse by June 30, 2023. Notably, recent years have witnessed a shift from goods to service-related applications, reflecting the evolving nature of the metaverse economy. Virtual reality terms have become prevalent in trademark descriptions, indicating the sector’s rapid evolution.

Projections suggest that the metaverse will reach over 1.4 billion users and a market volume of $490.4 billion by 2030. This surge in filings mirrors the escalating interest in the metaverse and underscores the need for robust regulation and understanding of its broader implications. Monitoring intellectual property trends will be crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring a balanced regulatory approach.

The UK’s focused examination of metaverse intellectual property highlights the country’s growing interest in shaping this digital frontier. As we anticipate the continued growth of the metaverse, monitoring and comprehending IP trends will remain paramount for driving innovation and regulatory frameworks forward.