Newsletters
FinTech, International Litigation and Arbitration, Europe

Is Virtual Currency Real Property? Court of Appeal in R v Lakeman Signals Potential UK Shift for in-Game Assets

The Court of Appeal has held that virtual in‑game currency in Old School RuneScape can constitute “property” capable of being stolen, and suggested in obiter that such assets may also meet civil property criteria. The ruling signals rising scrutiny of digital assets and heightens regulatory risk for the games industry.

Authors:

Matthew Gold, Trainee Solicitor
matthew.gold@mishcon.com

Cassandra Hill, Partner
cassandra.hill@mishcon.com

Nick Allan, Partner
nick.allan@mishcon.com