Over at WoW Insider, Mike Schramm just reported that Blizzard has secured an injunction against an in-game gold spamming group. Citing an article at Virtually Blind, Mike states the injunction is permanent, and prohibits the defendants from using WoW in-game communications or chat systems to advertise. Here are some of the pertinent paragraphs, copied from the PDF at the preceding link:
1. Defendant and all persons acting in concert with it, are hereby permanently enjoined and restrained from knowingly:
(a) making any use of the World of Warcraft® in-game communication or chat system to advertise any website, business, or commercial endeavor, including any business associated with In Game Dollar, LLC or www.peons4hire.com;
(b) sending messages to the World of Warcraft® servers, the World of Warcraft® in-game communication or chat system, or any other computer used by Blizzard in connection with the World of Warcraft® game, if such messages mention or advertise the website www.peons4hire.com, In Game Dollar LLC or any other commercial endeavor;
(c) making any unauthorized use, or obtaining any unauthorized access to Blizzard’s computer systems or network; or
(d) engaging in the sale of World of Warcraft® virtual assets or power leveling services.
Since I’m not breaking the story, I’m not going to report more of the details; the links above have plenty of information. One thing I’m indebted to Mike for, though, is opening my eyes to Virtually Blind. This is a site, the purpose of which is to report on legal issues that affect virtual worlds. Definitely a site to keep an eye on!
I don’t know about you, but I think this calls for a few rounds of your favorite in-game beverage tonight!
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