5 Legal Pitfalls to Avoid in the Video Game Industry
Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels
As a game producer, you must be aware of the potential legal traps in a field as dynamic and intricate as the video game business. In this article, we'll look at some of the most typical legal problems encountered by game designers and explain how to circumvent them.
Legal Landmines That Are Rife Within The Video Game Industry
1.Intellectual Property Infringement
Infringement of IP rights is a common source of trouble for developers and publishers in the gaming business. The use of protected works or trademarks without authorization is one example, as is making a game that is too similar to one already on the market.
Make sure your game is completely original and doesn't infringe on anyone else's rights. Do your homework to secure the appropriate licenses and permissions for any intellectual property you want to feature (ex. Easter eggs).
2. Contract Disputes
Contractual issues are another common source of legal trouble for the video game industry. Distribution, promotion, and income sharing agreements can be the source of contention when working with publishers, investors, or other partners. Reviewing and negotiating the terms of any contracts you sign, as well as consulting with a lawyer who specializes in the video game industry, can help you prevent contractual conflicts.
3. Illegal and Unfair Work Conditions
Another frequent source of legal trouble for the video game industry is unfair labor practices, such as underpaying workers or contractors or failing to provide a safe workplace. Avoiding these problems requires having explicit and precise employment agreements in place, as well as following all applicable employment laws and regulations.
4. Dishonest Marketing
Another common legal problem in the video game industry is false advertising. For example, if the game's promotional materials contain exaggerated claims about the game's features or performance, this is considered false advertising. Avoiding deceptive advertising requires providing factually correct details about the game and adhering to all applicable consumer protection laws and regulations.
5. Non-Compliance
If you plan on using any intellectual property (IP) in your game, you need to investigate the necessary licenses and permits and secure them. Make sure you consult a lawyer with experience in the video game industry before signing any contracts, and read and negotiate the contents of any contracts before agreeing to them.
Adhere to all applicable employment rules and regulations, and implement transparent, comprehensive employment contracts.Make sure to tell people the straight scoop about your game and follow any regulations in place to protect buyers.
Understand the legal ramifications of your work and ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations by consulting with a lawyer who specializes in the video game industry. Don't lose track of vital paperwork like licenses and contracts.Put in place a strategy for handling legal matters when they come up.
Guidelines for Staying Out of Legal Trouble
As a game producer, you must be aware of the potential legal dangers in a profession as complicated and ever-changing as the video game industry. You can better defend your rights and interests and avoid typical legal traps in the video game industry if you are familiar with and adhere to applicable laws and regulations and thoroughly analyze and negotiate contracts.
We recommend working with a law firm like KML that has experience handling the complex legal issues facing video game production and development.