In Second Life, virtual people known as avatars are created by players who make, buy and sell goods in exchange for Linden dollars, which can currently be exchanged at a rate of 240 for $1.

However, not all of these goods are legitimate, as reported by the BBC. Some players have created replica buildings, offices and lifestyles using designs and other goods that are in breach of copyright.

A spokesman for law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse said that sellers were cashing in on real-world brands for their own gain.