Research and development in private law

Research and development in private law

Foundations of Property Rights in the Digital Age

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohsen Sadeghi 1
Amir Malekzadeh Qaleh 2
1 Associate Professor at University of Tehran
2 Graduate with a Master's degree in Private Law from the University of Tehran
10.22034/jpl.2025.2070457.1237
Abstract
The right to property can be regarded as the most popular yet the most challenging financial right of human beings. This challenge has been amplified with the digitalization of our legal and social life, such that the digital age alongside introducing fundamental changes in the legal framework of various institutions has not left the right to property immune from transformation. One of the fundamental challenges concerning property rights in the digital era lies in determining whether public policy in the digital environment should be based on the expansion or the restriction of ownership rights. On the one hand, one may argue that, given the emergence of new forms of property known as digital assets and the fact that property rights in this environment are far more vulnerable to infringement compared to the physical sphere, legislative policies should provide stronger protection for the holders of such rights. On the other hand, this approach may be criticized on the grounds that the very philosophy of the digital environment lies in its ease of use and accessibility to a wide range of individuals; thus, extending exclusive ownership rights to digital assets may undermine this foundational principle. Since this issue has not been thoroughly examined in Iranian law, the present article seeks to fill this gap by addressing the following question: What is the most appropriate policy regarding property rights in the digital age? The working hypothesis of this study is that an optimal policy should adopt a balanced approach by recognizing property rights while simultaneously imposing limitations and exceptions in favor of users—a matter that has not been adequately reflected in certain Iranian laws. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on library sources, and is presented in two main sections: the first section explores the concept of property rights in the digital sphere, digital assets, and the comparative legal context of Iran and other jurisdictions; the second section discusses the proper legal policies regarding property rights in the digital era, considering the specific characteristics of the digital environment. Finally, the article offers clear and practical recommendations for stakeholders, particularly legislators and policymakers.
Keywords
Property rights
digital age
digital assets
theoretical foundations
policymaking
Iranian law
Subjects
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