Second Life Virtual Infringement Suit Settled

TAMPA, Fla. —A lawsuit involving copyright and trademark infringement, in a case where the defendant was originally named as an avatar from virtual world Second Life was settled in a real-life Tampa courtroom.

In August, Eros LLC founder/CEO and software developer Kevin Alderman filed suit against a John Doe defendant, aka Volkov Catteneo, the Second Life avatar used by the defendant to allegedly sell unauthorized copies of a software program developed by Alderman’s company.

SexGen Platinum Base Unit is a program created by Alderman that allows Second Life players to install code into objects in the virtual world. Those objects can then be used to reveal menus with options to activate different sexual activities to be accessed with their avatars.

Catteneo was eventually identified by his real-life identity as Robert Leatherwood, after acknowledging to Reuters news service that he was the individual behind the avatar. In the settlement, Leatherwood agreed not to sell or copy any products owned by Eros. He agreed also to not help anyone copy and Eros products, and to turn over the email addresses of anyone that had access to the Catteneo avatar.

There was no monetary settlement in the case. Alderman attorney Francis Taney noted that Leatherwood did not have substantial enough assets to pursue damages.

Taney was quoted in an article in the Tampa Tribune, and said, "Kevin is moving on. "Ability to collect on any judgment is a factor. It's certainly a factor here. The most important thing is to get the conduct stopped so it doesn't create an ongoing problem. We have here an injunction against a real-life person. I'm pleased that we were able to get that relief."

The attorney also pointed out that while the settlement could not be considered precedent setting, that real-life copyright infringement laws should also apply in virtual environments.

"I continue to believe and I really haven't heard any well-reasoned arguments why copyright and trademark laws or other intellectual property laws wouldn't apply in virtual life," Taney said.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More