Esports and Electronic Gaming
Overview
Video and interactive gaming has rapidly transformed from a niche hobby to a multibillion-dollar international industry. Particularly with the meteoric rise of esports and celebrity-like streaming personalities, people, businesses, and online communities are lining up to get involved, and the whole world is watching — nearly 400 million worldwide, and counting. As the industry continues to grow, the Carlton Fields Esports and Electronic Gaming team can help you navigate the new challenges and opportunities in the open world of esports and electronic gaming.
Our team of lawyers stretches across practices and disciplines to provide innovative and tailored solutions to help our clients reach their legal and business goals. We combine our passion for technology and video games with our collective experience in key industries to deliver comprehensive legal services — both traditional and emerging. Carlton Fields’ attorneys are committed to personal client service and depth of expertise in our core practice areas in this cutting-edge legal industry.
Some of our lawyers are even content creators themselves, producing a podcast where they explore the unique legal issues at the intersection of video games, law, and business: LAN Party Lawyers.
Our clients include:
- Esports teams and organizations
- Colleges and universities with existing or developing esports programs and clubs
- Game companies
- Content creators and online influencers
- Streamers and professional gamers
- Tournament and charitable event organizers
- Investors/startups and corporations making investments into esports and video game development
- Media and advertising companies
Our services include:
- Full-service esports team representation
- Development and maintenance of collegiate esports programs, including compliance with national associations and Title IX
- Intellectual property protection and compliance, including licensing, copyrights, trademarks, patents, fair use analysis, and music and product clearances
- Compliance with FTC guidelines and other regulatory and compliance matters
- International privacy program implementation and guidance concerning data security regulations and data protection
- 5G and mobile gaming
- Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency
- Online streaming rights
- Development and financing of stadiums, arenas, and esports facilities
- Commercial joint ventures, real estate acquisitions, and leasehold arrangements
- Sponsorships and endorsements
- Employment, professional services, and appearance contracts
- Labor and employment
- Immigration visas
- Public financing and zoning compliance
- Real estate, acquisition, and construction of esports properties
- Venue hire agreements
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Advertising, promotions, and sponsorships
- Communications, media rights, and broadcasting
- Tax planning, counseling, and advocacy
