The video game and immersive technology industry is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing sectors in technology and entertainment. Spanning consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and, increasingly, blockchain and Web3, it offers diverse genres and immersive experiences. As consumer preferences evolve and new technologies emerge, companies in this space face both exciting opportunities and complex legal demands.
With a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the gaming industry, we provide strategic, full-spectrum legal services that help game developers, publishers, and related businesses thrive in a dynamic global market. Gaming clients work with us for our:
Deep Industry Knowledge
Our Video Game and Immersive Technology team keeps pace with evolving trends and technologies, including e-sports, virtual reality (VR, augmented reality (AR), and blockchain.
Global Reach
Through our international network, we manage legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions with consistent and integrated advice.
End-to-End Solutions
From intellectual property (IP) protection and licensing to mergers and acquisitions and litigation, we offer a full suite of legal services tailored to the unique needs of gaming companies.
Innovation-Driven Approach
We anticipate new industry developments to help you leverage emerging opportunities and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Our comprehensive suite of services to the video game and immersive technology industry includes:
Intellectual Property and Trademark Management
Intellectual property is the core asset of most gaming businesses—encompassing game design, code, characters, and branding. Protecting and enforcing IP rights worldwide is crucial for sustaining competitive advantage and ensuring revenue streams. Our firm advises on IP protection strategies, from copyright and trademark registrations to patent filings and portfolio management.
Data Privacy, Protection, and Security Compliance
Video game companies handle large volumes of personal data, often involving minors, and must comply with a range of stringent regulations worldwide—such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Chinese Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Noncompliance can lead to heavy fines, reputational harm, and operational disruptions, while security incidents erode player trust and attract regulatory scrutiny. Robust privacy and data security measures are therefore crucial for safeguarding both user confidence and corporate value.
Payments and Licensing
Video game companies must comply with a myriad of regulations, including financial services laws governing in-game payments and licensing. Our team provides guidance on global licensing and compliance frameworks—covering everything from user agreements to specialized regulatory regimes, such as anti-money laundering (AML).
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Gaming companies can encounter a range of disputes—from copyright and patent infringement claims to defamation actions and software licensing conflicts. Effective dispute resolution is essential to preserve valuable IP assets and maintain market credibility. Our litigators skillfully represent clients in high-stakes, multijurisdictional cases while minimizing business disruption.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Consolidation and strategic acquisitions are key drivers of growth in the gaming industry. As studios and publishers expand their reach and expertise, M&A transactions can trigger competition law reviews, involve significant intellectual property considerations, and require careful cross-border coordination. Our lawyers help clients optimize deals, navigate due diligence, manage regulatory requirements, and ensure a seamless integration process.
Financing and Investment
Securing capital is critical for game development, marketing, and expansion. Whether you are an indie studio looking for seed funding or a larger enterprise pursuing Series B financing or beyond, well-structured financing deals safeguard creative control and ensure sustainable growth. We help clients negotiate favorable investment terms and protect their long-term interests.
Strategic Advisory
As gaming companies scale globally, they face new regulatory landscapes, partnership opportunities, and emerging technologies like VR/AR, blockchain, and Web3. Our strategic advisory services cover corporate structuring, cross-border transactions, joint ventures, and regulatory roadmaps—ensuring you are positioned for both near-term success and long-term sustainability.
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In late May 2025, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network and the European Commission concluded a joint investigation into online marketplace and e-retailer SHEIN.
Starting on 30 June 2024, with the application of the first of two introduction phases of the Regulation on Markets in Crypto-assets across all member states of the European Union, the EU has introduced for the first time a harmonized regulatory framework as well as accompanying passporting rights for service providers of the crypto-asset market, affecting both traditional institutions of the financial sector and new players emerging in the crypto-ecosystem.
We welcome your email, but please understand that if you are not already a client of K&L Gates LLP, we cannot represent you until we confirm that doing so would not create a conflict of interest and is otherwise consistent with the policies of our firm. Accordingly, please do not include any confidential information until we verify that the firm is in a position to represent you and our engagement is confirmed in a letter. Prior to that time, there is no assurance that information you send us will be maintained as confidential. Thank you for your consideration.
