Abstract: Virtual property system for globally-significant objects across autonomous computing environments. Objects with global persistence and identity are instantiated by a plurality of their real-world claim-holders through authentication of a computer-readable object specification and owner identity. Owner may then claim benefit of the object across autonomous computing environments such as virtual worlds by authenticating his identity. Ownership transfer is accomplished through the current owner authenticating an ownership transfer document. When used in conjunction with the owner-proxy method, object transfer may occur without the distribution of ownership revocation lists.