A Study On The Legislation Of Virtual Property Inheritance

Virtual property, also referred to as online virtual property, is digitized and non-materialized property. It features an objective non-materialization, value, traceability, space-time finiteness, and uniqueness. As a special matter in the virtual space, virtual property has similarities and evident distinctions with tangible matter and intellectual products that have been studied in-depth by researchers. Virtual property can become legacy and inheritable owing to its economic benefits, spiritual value and legality. There have been claims for inheritance of virtual property in China; however, it is racing a practical predicament of insufficient laws, an inconsistent attitude of the network operators, and the difficulties in proof collection and allocation. Thus, it is necessary to make legislation for the inheritance of virtual property. After analysis of the existing laws of virtual property inheritance in foreign countries, this paper offers opinions of specific legislation mode for virtual property inheritance in China. It also elaborates the primary content of legislation of virtual property inheritance, including object identification, allocation approach, obligation of support from the network operators, inheritance approach and information alteration.