When content creators fall prey to intellectual property theft, their initial response is often to contact Linden Lab. But as the increasing number of victims will tell you, help seldom comes – so are there any alternatives?

As well as following the official complaint routes, the Second Life community now fights back against content theft on its own behalf. Much of the campaign is the work of an in-world group called the Merchant Theft Protection Group, founded by Haven Designs owner Delora Starbrook.

“The MTPG was founded during the fall of 2007 after several skin-rippers were caught re-selling products in Gorean marketplaces and other malls,” says Starbrook. “The products being re-sold belonged to friends of mine, people who support their children off of the money they make in Second Life.”

“It was founded because myself and Delora continually saw our friend Munchflower Zaius’s skins being ripped off and we were getting tired of dragging her around every day to show her the latest rip-offs of her hard work,” adds Lucius Obviate of Ronin and Infinity Inc, another founder member.

The MTPG assists victims of intellectual property theft, builds community awareness and offers advice about the rights of content creators. Its member list is constantly growing.

“The list includes many major designers, as well as several smaller ones such as myself. Some of the members are well versed in the laws surrounding Intellectual Property and are here to assist other victims with getting the information needed to deal with a theft, up to and including filing a lawsuit,” explains Starbrook.

Members of the group also watch out for stolen products around the grid.

“We are a watchdog group that keeps an eye out for ripped or stolen content and notifies the original creators,” says Starbrook. “Second Life is a big, big world and, oftentimes, the designers are unaware that someone is stealing their products and re-selling in a mall or marketplace somewhere.”

Though the official methods of dealing with theft might be limited, teamwork opens new avenues.

“The best thing I've seen in-world is groups like MTPG, where we can get the word out, where we can do something amongst ourselves,” says Nomine owner Munchflower Zaius.

“Our intention is to locate thieves, expose them and see them shut down as well as the people that support their thievery,” explains Obviate. “We have been successful in many cases of members contacting market owners and making clear they will remove their rentals if the matter is not handled.”