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

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

Show More