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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Facebook Attorney Explores the World of Virtual Law at Nova Southeastern University
Benjamin Duranske, Facebook Attorney
Benjamin Duranske is Author of the Book
‘Virtual Law: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Virtual Worlds’
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, FL – Facebook attorney Benjamin Duranske will speak at Nova Southeastern University on Monday, Feb. 28 to discuss legal cases and legislation in the emerging field of Internet law.
Duranske, who is an expert in virtual law, will be speaking at the Performance Theatre at NSU’s Don Taft University Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. His presentation is titled Virtual Law: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Virtual Worlds. Hosted by NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center’s Law Library and Technology Center, Duranske’s talk is free and opened to the public.
Duranske will explain what a virtual world is and how law functions in these environments. His multimedia presentation will incorporate photos and videos highlighting cases and legislation impacting virtual world and video game providers.
“We are very excited to have an expert on Internet law from one of the companies that revolutionized the way people use the Internet speak at our university,” said Athornia Steele, J.D., dean of the Shepard Broad Law Center. “Virtual law represents a burgeoning area of the practice of law, and NSU is committed to preparing our students with all the resources they need to be the most successful lawyers they can be.”
As the avatar “Benjamin Noble,” Duranske founded the Second Life Bar Association in the Second Life virtual world. Duranske is a lawyer for Facebook as Payments Counsel and the author of the book Virtual Law: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Virtual Worlds.
Highlights of cases to be covered:
- Blizzard v. MDY Industries – a case about running “Bots” in World of Warcraft,
- Bragg v. Linden Lab – a case about virtual property ownership in the virtual world of Second Life,
- Eros v. Doe – a case about intellectual property inside Second Life, and
- Hernandez v. IGE – a case about “gold farmers.”
The event takes place in the Don Taft University Center Performance Theater. For address and driving directions, visit: http://www.fcas.nova.edu/arts/performing_arts/ or call (954) 262-6100.
For more information, visit: www.nova.edu/law
Media Contact:
Brandon Hensler, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5385 (office), 954-393-5926 (cell), brandon.hensler@nova.edu