Immersive Technology and Interactive Entertainment
The confluence of technology and entertainment has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years. The interactive entertainment industry is projected for continued growth, with the sustained popularity of video, tablet, mobile, casual, social, and location-based games and the democratization of access to virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed realities.
From virtual worlds to the metaverse, our international network of lawyers has substantial industry experience representing some of the most successful publishers, developers, and device manufacturers in the video game and interactive entertainment industry.
Our lawyers provide a multidisciplinary approach to interactive entertainment, with knowledge in intellectual property, employment and benefits, corporate transactions, tax, litigation, data protection and privacy, anti-piracy solutions, virtual goods, stored value systems and virtual currency, promotions and sweepstakes, loyalty programs, international strategy, and regulatory issues.
immersive technology
Our Immersive Technology lawyers are uniquely qualified to advise clients on legal issues through the complete growth cycle of a company, from inception to exit strategy, including the following.
Initial public offerings, corporate organization and structure, and mergers and acquisitions
Financing structures for game production
Tax issues with online transactions
Developing, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights through patent, trademark, and copyright filings and related strategic activities, including talent and influencer agreements
Intellectual property licensing techniques, strategies, and ownership
Trade secret protection and anti-piracy actions
Open source software and other copyleft asset integration
Licenses for game engines, game content, and characters as well as subsequent merchandising agreements
Licensing of third party intellectual property, content, and developer tools
Development, publishing, production, channel distribution, and OEM agreements
Data protection and privacy laws for internet presence, e-commerce initiatives, and online games
Digital currency and exchanges, virtual goods, and NFTs
Consumer protection and loot box regulations
Promotions and sweepstakes
Employment policies, agreements, and manuals review
Online harm and safety, including harassment, defamation, social media impersonation, online bullying, and revenge porn
Stock incentive arrangements
Freedom of expression, including First Amendment protection under the U.S. Constitution
Dispute resolution
Livestreaming, interactive shows, and talent contract negotiations
Strategic advice on accessing markets in a global economy, including the United States, China, and the European Union
Interactive entertainment
Our Interactive Entertainment practice advises clients in matters related to funding gaming transactions and purchases; including digital currency; in-game user-generated content; and agreements with payment service providers, payment gateway service providers, payment application (shopping cart) providers, and other related parties. This may include minimizing money transmitter licensing needs and other risks by using third-party encryption to avoid or limit Payment Card Industry compliance obligations.
We advise on intellectual property protection for video game developers, esports teams (from amateur to professional levels), and service providers in the esports and gaming industries. Our lawyers frequently assist clients in drafting appropriate intellectual property, collaboration, influencer, player, broadcasting, licensing, and sponsorship agreements; raising capital to launch events; and advising on unauthorized use of 3D graphic representations in sports simulation video games.
Ecosystem Immersion
At the crossroad of legal understanding and technical acumen, our lawyers understand that the regulatory laws and technological progress shaping this dynamic industry are constantly evolving. With deep industry ties, we keep clients informed of new developments across the interactive entertainment sector, anticipating any issues that may arise.
On 30 January 2024, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule (Final Rule) increasing the premium processing fee from US$2,500 to US$2,805, increasing filing fees for I-129 and I-140 employment-based petitions, and imposing a new Asylum Program Fee for each Form I-129 and I-140 filed by employers.
On 3 April 2024, the US Securities and Exchange Commission announced the first settlement with a stand-alone registered investment adviser for, among other things, failures to maintain and preserve certain electronic communications.
On 22 December 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted amendments (the final rule) to Rule 206(4)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act) to modernize the regulation of investment adviser advertising and solicitation practices.
On 7 March 2024, the Illinois Pollution Control Board proposed amendments to its Ground Water Quality regulations, which would set standards for selected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances compounds at or near their levels of detection and would result in some of the most stringent standards in the country.
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