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An Introduction To Video Gaming Law
Produced on June 19, 2017
Course Information
Course Description
The video game industry has grown rapidly and is now larger than the Hollywood movie industry. In part, this growth has been driven by new business models, including the shift from prepackaged video game software to online and mobile distribution and the use of virtual goods and virtual currency. These changing business models have given rise to new legal issues. Additionally, many games are based on simulated gambling mechanics (mobile slot-based games) or include mini-games that include such mechanics. These mechanics can present potential gambling-related legal issues if not structured properly.
The runaway success of some games has led to copying or cloning of these games. As a result of this copying, the need for comprehensive intellectual property strategies is more important than ever. Yet, many games do not adopt comprehensive strategies. Some game companies face other IP challenges resulting from dealings with business partners. For example, when licensing IP upon which a game is based, or when hiring a developer to create a game for you, the IP provisions of those agreements can be critical. And finally, once you have launched a great game, you need to advertise it.
There are a number of scenarios that arise with game advertising that can lead to legal issues. Explore them in this fascinating introductory course, led by attorney James Gatto of Sheppard Mullin.
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the legal issues associated with the use of virtual goods and virtual currency in games
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Identify and avoid gambling issues with games
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Explore the range of options for IP protection for games and how to develop comprehensive IP strategies
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Gain insights into IP issues to be considered with third party game-related agreements
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Explore different fact scenarios that can lead to advertising issues with games
Credit Information
Faculty
James G. Gatto
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Jim Gatto is a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in the firm's Washington, D.C. office. He is also Co-Team Leader of the firm's Digital Media Industry and Social Media and Games Industry Teams, and Team Leader of the firm's Open Source Team.
Areas of Practice
Mr. Gatto leverages his unique combination of nearly 30 years of IP experience, business insights and attention to technology trends to help companies develop IP and other legal strategies that are aligned with their business objectives. His practice focuses on all aspects of intellectual property, internet and technology law, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and open source. Mr. Gatto advises clients of all sizes (start-ups to Fortune 100 companies) on key legal and business issues relating to the use of social media, video games, social games and online gambling (gamblification), virtual goods and currency, social networks, virtual worlds, mirror worlds, augmented reality, open source user-generated content, location-based services and gamification.
He has extensive experience advising internet and social media companies on business and legal strategies relating to virtual goods and virtual currency, developing IP protection and monetization strategies, handling terms of service and end user license agreements, development, licensing and partnership agreements, developing DMCA policies, handling DMCA enforcement, privacy and COPPA policies and much more.
Mr. Gatto's practice is national and international, and it encompasses a full range of IP and technology issues, including: patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation; counseling and technology transactions; developing and implementing IP strategies to protect and to monetize IP assets; creating and implementing corporate IP programs; conducting IP audits; conducting complex patent prosecution, including patent appeals, interferences, Inter Partes Review (IPRs), reissues and protests; handling patent enforcement issues, including licensing and litigation; negotiating and drafting technology agreements; conducting IP due diligence in and negotiating IP aspects of mergers, acquisitions and financings; rendering opinions concerning the infringement, validity and enforceability of patents; handling trademark prosecution, domain name, copyright and trade secret matters; handling IP aspects of employment issues; advising clients on legal issues associated with open source software including open source patent issues, licensing, open source compatibility issues, indemnity issues and developing and implementing corporate policies on use of open source software; advising clients on the legality of cutting edge Internet business methods and technology; and advising clients on computer law issues such as computer fraud and abuse and SPAM-related issues.
Reviews
Great topic
Fascinating
Fun if you are at all interested in video games.
More gaming law please!
excellent presentation
this was a super interesting topic for me. Need to learn more.
Timely, interesting topic and clear presentation.
Excellent primer and overview of the issues particular to this industry.
Interesting part of the law that I didn't know very much about.
Informative and interesting!
As a video game player myself, I found this CLE very interesting.
Good presenter
good distictions re ip protections
This was one of the best CLEs I have ever taken. Content, pace, level of detail were all spot on.
Very informative.
Really interesting and trendy subject - I really enjoyed it!
Excellent material - great speaker
Solid presentation.
excellent course! well organized,very accessable
Thank you!
Interesting and comprehensive presentation.
very interesting especially if you have children who like video games.
Good presentation and very up to date
I didn't think gaming law would be interesting but it was very interesting. Great presentation!
Great course on an interesting subject.
Very informative.
Thank you.
The speaker spoke clearly and precisely.
Good job with this one!
Answered all the questions I've had about video gaming law. Thanks!
Great presenter!
Interesting material well presented.
This was one of the more relevant CLEs I have watched with respect to upcoming issues. Well done.
Excellent presentation.
excellent knowledge of subject matter
Good course. Interesting content.
good topic for these days.
A lot of information packed into an introductory course. Didn't expect the course to cover so many different areas of the law. Very interesting.
Well done CLE on gaming. First CLE the kids came in and watched with me. “Hey, Dad I know about that issue.”
Most interesting program I have ever seen.
Very interesting
Interesting
Excellent course, well-taught.
I enjoyed the discussion of the IP aspects of the gaming industry.
very interesting
Best class so far! Would highly recommend.
Would love more cle’s about this topic area!
Very informative and well presented.
informative
Interesting topic.
Interesting course
Excellent
Enjoyed Instructor
Enjoyed this
Great presentation. One of the best organized and easy to follow.
Good high level overview. Interesting.
Very interesting! I enjoyed it!
Informative
Very informative
He know his stuff.
Mr. Gatto was knowledgeable and very skilled at clearly conveying that knowledge. I took this course out of curiosity and it was one of the best, if not the best, courses that I have ever taken with Lawline.
very specialized area
The information was quite accurate. Just at a fairly basic level. Best for attorneys that do not practice in related areas.
VERY INFORMATIVE ABOUT VIDEO GAME LAW
Well-rounded introduction to an area of law about which I knew nothing. Enjoyed the instructor's pleasant demeanor.
worthwhile
Excellent presentation and materials, great introduction to a new area of the law for me.
So interesting...who knew?!
The instructor did a good job of communicating his thoughts effectively.
Well organized. Introduced concepts unfamiliar to lawyers who are not "gamers".
One of the clearest and most effective presentations I have watched.
Easy to listen... good presentation.
very interesting and relevant topic
Good content and good presentation
Great job. Informative and enjoyable.
Excellent
Excellent course and speaker.
Interesting topic, well presented
A whole new area of law I barely knew existed.
starting from nothing , this was an excellent introduction to a topic I do not work with but was curious about
Super interesting topic!
Excellent
Great relevant content that was very well presented
competent presentation
very good
interesting subject matter
Excellent presentation. Interesting topic. Fantastic presenter. Well organized and informative.
interesting
Very interesting
Great instructor using relevant examples.
Excellent presentation!!
Good course.
excellent
Informative
fantastic class. very interesting and informative. the speaker was excellent. highly recommend the course!
In spite of the fact that I have never played a video game, I found the presentation clear and fascinating. The instructor is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker.
Enjoyed the discussion.
thanks
very interesting topic!
Very efficient instructor; covered alot;authoritative; easy to listen to
Well-presented
Excellent.
This is an area where I have zero knowledge in law and in life but the presenter was excellent and the topic surprisingly interesting.
Excellent course.
Very good
Very interesting.
Good delivery by the instructor who was always engaged with the material. Thank you.
Very interesting and well presented.
Novel subject to think about
good
Really good
This was a surprisingly interesting course. There were many aspects of the industry that I presumed could be protected that could not. It also gave me knowledge concerning IP and work for hire that I will use to assist clients.
Great program!
Great incorporation of cases and visuals into the presentation.
thanks - really interesting, please do more tech & gaming CLE's so we can keep current
Another excellent presentation by this speaker on this new and emerging topic.
Learned a lot more than I thought I would
interesting content about video games
well done, comprehensive
excellent presenter. included great breadth and sufficient depth for important issues.