Quote:
Originally Posted by Superhal
Imho, they are so stupid they can't even see the criminality of the act. There is only a little bit of vocabulary protecting them from being arrested for theft, which is the difference between an item and a virtual item. A virtual item can have value, and thus if it is stolen, you should be persecuted under the same laws that rule shoplifting or fraud. That the law only covers physical items is temporary and is bound to change, especially as virtual items start costing thousands of dollars.
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First let me start by saying I agree that scammers suck and it would be nice if they did not exist. But...
It actually, it is not theft, and unless
MA is willing to change the EULA and declare that anything you have is yours, then there will neverbe any chance of prosicution. Infact, if
MA was to lock an account for scamming, (without refunding any money deposited by the scammer)
MA could face a possible lawsuit themselves. In most places I would imagine it is unlawfull for a company to offer a product and when the customer pays, he/she is entitled to some sort of service.
I don't know about Sweeden law, but I know a lawsuit could be opened in the USA against them. and knowing the hatred for big buisness' by Americans. the jury is sure to side against
MA.
Anyway, back to ownership and theft. It can't be stolen if...
1- you don't own it, and the person who takes it also after taking still does not own it. Everything is
MA's and since it is all nothing more than a bunch of lines of code, it can never be removed from game, therefore, never stolen.
MA still has possession of their items.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by EU EULA
7. Ownership
The System, including, but not limited to, computer code, text, graphics, audio files, logos, button icons, images, characters, items, concepts, data compilation and software, is the property of MindArk and protected by Swedish and international copyright laws.
MindArk, MindArk PE, Project Entropia, Entropia Universe and other marks indicated on the Entropia Universe’s website are registered trademarks of MindArk in Sweden. Any Entropia Universe design and any other MindArk graphics, logos or button icons are trademarks of MindArk.
Virtual items will often have names similar or identical to corresponding physical categories such as "people," "real estate," "possessions," and the names of specific items in those categories such as "house," "rifle," "tools," "armor," etc. Despite the similar names, all virtual items are part of the System and MindArk retains all rights, title, and interest in all parts including, but not limited to Avatars and Virtual Items; these retained rights include, without limitation, patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and other proprietary rights throughout the world.
As part of your interactions with the System, you may acquire, create, design, or modify Virtual Items, but you agree that you will not gain any ownership interest whatsoever in any Virtual Item, and you hereby assign to MindArk all of your rights, title and interest in any such Virtual Item. |
Sorry if this is a little off topic
I think thread is a great idea to get all scams out there to hopefully this will educate those who still don't know. +rep