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SECTOR

Interactive entertainment

INTRODUCTION

We have been fully immersed in the interactive entertainment sector since its inception. Acting for the entire ecosystem and being a market leader in this area is part of the firm’s history.

We are known for our high-quality legal advice, sector expertise and ability to identify and interpret market trends quickly and effectively.

We advise on all transactions and financing arrangements impacting the industry, such as development, publishing, download, streaming and other digital and physical distribution and licensing, console, PC and mobile platform, tax credit and financing arrangements, outsourcing, rights acquisition and exploitation. We provide clients in the sector with a full service, advising on investment, financing and fundraising, buying and selling companies and businesses or titles. We also advise on on trademark and other intellectual property issues and registrations, as well as employment, real estate, tax and dispute resolution.

We are also highly experienced advising on regulatory and compliance issues, including data protection and privacy, consumer protection, application of gambling laws, the regulation of virtual currency, EULAs, website terms of use, competition terms and conditions, privacy policies and classifications, ratings and censorship.

Our acknowledged expertise and deep experience throughout the media and entertainment industries allows us to support and advise on cross-media projects, helping to bridge the gap between games, TV, film, music, content creation, esports and other entertainment businesses.

Our clients span the full spectrum of the sector and include multi-national publishers, small and large studios, distributors, console and format owners, IP owners, PC and mobile games financiers, AR and VR businesses, online platforms, esports businesses, middleware and software and gametech providers, localisation companies, trade publishers, industry trade bodies and leading industry figures.

We keep abreast of developments in this space and have close ties with UKIE – the UK’s interactive entertainment industry trade body, who we partnered with to prepare an overview of the sources of finance available to UK games businesses as well as drafting a suite of standard contracts that can be used by UKIE’s studio members.

Our lawyers are avid followers of the industry, regularly attending industry events and delivering presentations on current topics of interest.

We are among a small number of the top-ranked firms and individuals specialising in the industry in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, and have consistently featured as leaders since law firms were first ranked.

Our people

Get in touch

Partner

Mark Phillips

Corporate and commercial
Partner

Kostyantyn Lobov

Intellectual property and regulatory
Partner

Ed Lane

Corporate
Associate

Sophie Lewis

Interactive entertainment

Testimonials

What people say

Knowledge of and, crucially, interested in the video games industry – the team members play games, follow industry updates, advise many other games companies, and understand the businesses as well as their products and players. Knowledge of the law is assumed for outside counsel, it is the industry-specific application of that legal knowledge that makes Harbottle & Lewis stand out.”

The Legal 500

Exceptional industry knowledge and great client base – significant value received by us through their knowledge of market standard positions and how far certain positions could be pushed with media agencies.’

The Legal 500

The team is very knowledgeable in the industry. They’re not just legal professionals who happen to be helping with contracts or negotiations in the games or entertainment industries, but they understand it and have personal interest. So that makes them very special.’

The Legal 500

They have sector-specific expertise while retaining the strength-in-depth of a full-service law firm. The partners are very strong and contactable, and the associates are sharp and motivated.”

Chambers UK

I have complete confidence in Harbottle in handling complex and multi-jurisdictional matters. Requests are always acknowledged quickly and deadlines met, even when dealing with very tight timescales.”

Chambers UK

Partners are able to navigate complex issues well, providing clear advice based on experience and an actual understanding of market practice.”

Chambers UK

Their team doesn’t just interpret the law; they understand the commercial realities of content creation. This results in pragmatic, solution- oriented advice that supports decision-making.”

Chambers UK