Guide Hawk, and intellectual property - Linden Lab responds, sort of

After Aimee's post on the actions of Guide Hawk (or guidehawk_ltd) with respect to using resident's imagery to promote his guide book, I asked Linden Lab about Guide Hawk's claim that he paid and has authorization from Linden Lab for use of the material and their name for promotion of his auctions.

Linden Lab's response was – well, they declined to answer the question.

Linden Lab, of course, are able to use resident content and imagery for promotional purposes, and to authorize third parties to do so – in all other respects the rights are yours.

If Guide Hawk has obtained such authorization from Linden Lab, then he's not infringing on anyone's rights. If he hasn't, then he's not only infringing the intellectual property rights of others, but also committing fraudulent misrepresentation.

Only Linden Lab can answer that for certain, and they have declined to give that answer, referring us instead back to the Terms of Service.

It is to be noted, that you may request that Linden Lab and it's authorized agents cease using your content for promotional or marketing purposes by sending Linden Lab written notice that you wish the use to cease and providing specifics of the material so that it can be identified and taken down.