How we can help:

Commercial agreements

We draft and negotiate, inter alia:

• agreements for the development, production, publishing and distribution of video games and related services;
• agreements for the use or adaptation of IP from video games to films, literary and other works and, vice versa;
• licence agreements and agreements for the assignment and transfer of IP rights;
• term sheets;
• consents for likeness use;
• employee and contractor agreements;
• merchandising agreements;
• Joint Venture agreements.

M&A / VC

The video game and esports sectors are innovative and fast-evolving. Navigating a successful M&A transaction thus requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, issues related to intellectual property, and specific regulatory considerations. We have advised on major transactions across the region for both buyers and sellers.

Our support includes:

• M&A (share and asset deals);
• VC transactions;
• tax structuring;
• ESOP / MSOP implementation.

Corporate

We offer full corporate support, including:

• setting up new businesses;
• corporate housekeeping;
• implementation of advanced corporate structures.

Intellectual property

Our services include:

• strategies for the development, use and protection of IP rights in video games and related services;
• NFT and blockchain-related assets;
• IP clean-ups and content clearance for assets, architectural works, characters, stories, music, gameplay or well-known brands;
• open-source licence reviews;
• generative AI risk analysis;
• brand and IP rights protection and enforcement, including trademarks, domain names etc.;
• filings for and registration of IP rights.

Consumer protection

We strive to ensure that client business operations comply with all applicable legal regulations. As the sector grows, it’s getting more attention from regulators. We help our clients stay compliant and handle regulatory interactions smoothly. We closely monitor legislative and regulatory developments both at the national and EU levels, notably in consumer protection, digital governance and gambling regulations.

As part of our practice, we have successfully represented clients in administrative proceedings before national regulators for many years. We are familiar with regulator decision-making practices, their internal functioning and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of oversight. We can assist clients both in representations before regulators as well as in responding to regulatory enquiries.

We advise on:

• terms of use, EULAs, and platform terms;
• terms of service for platforms and applications;
• monetisation mechanics (loot boxes and in-game currencies);
• age ratings and access to content in order to deliver age-appropriate online experiences for children and teens across our jurisdictions;
• DSA and DMA compliance;
• representation before consumer protection and gambling authorities;
• reviews of terms and conditions of consumer contests.

Data governance

We have been helping clients establish data governance procedures and frameworks for years —now more important than ever with evolving EU laws. We are members of local data protection associations, which bring together various stakeholders, and through which we communicate our views to both local DPAs and the European Data Protection Board.

Our services include:

• implementation of holistic data governance for companies, including AI governance;
• comprehensive support for data breaches, including their management across multiple jurisdictions, and strategic communication with DPAs;
• representation before DPAs;
• preparation of DPIAs and Legitimate Interest Assessments;
• draft and review internal data governance documents (including ROPA, data processing agreements etc.);
• reviews of the legal basis for processing;
• draft privacy policies and cookie policies;
• review of cross-border data flows;
• e-privacy considerations and reviews (including the preparation of strategies for sending commercial communications to consumers).

Employment & labour law

We deliver practical assessments and advice to help companies manage labour law risks in their day-to-day operations, as well as in relation to complex restructuring and M&A transactions.

Our services include:

• employment agreements, including with software developers and creative staff;
• agreements with external contractors;
• comprehensive legal services related to the relocation of workers;
• comprehensive legal advice related to remote work;
• advising on employee termination processes;
• reviews of stock option grants;
• drafting and introduction of employment policies and procedures.

Dispute resolution and criminal law

We advocate for our clients when their rights are at risk, or when they are facing potential civil, regulatory or criminal liability.

Our services include:

• preparation and implementation of litigation strategies;
• representation in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings, and in ADR;
• preparation and negotiation of settlement agreements;
• cross-border coordination of litigation actions;
• legal representation in disputes with business partners (e.g., with publishers) and staff (e.g., with creative staff and software developers), defending against civil and criminal claims regarding the use of third-party rights;
• legal representation in sensitive matters, including threats made against studios by players.

Video game incentives

Government support for the video game sector is growing across our region, with an increasing number of local incentive schemes now available to studios and developers. Our team is here to help you understand how these incentives work and guide you through the entire process—from eligibility assessments to successful applications.

We are also active contributors to the sector beyond legal work. Our lawyers regularly lecture and publish on video game and esports law, support local associations through expert seminars, and participate in both international and national conferences dedicated to this fast-evolving space.

We are proud to be members of the Video Game Bar Association, the leading international network of legal professionals specialising in video game law.