A leading force in the video games industry, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is trusted by major global publishers, IP owners, developers, trade associations and esports organisations. The firm handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious issues, including IP portfolio management and litigation, as well as regulatory, commercial and transactional matters. The practice, which has been consistently growing its indie developer client base, is often engaged in M&A and investment rounds in the gaming sector. Gaming experts Kostyantyn Lobov and Mark Phillips jointly oversee the department. Bringing together expertise in IP, commercial and regulatory law, Lobov assists major client with domestic and international mandates. Widely respected throughout Europe, co-head Phillips regularly advises publishers on major commercial agreements, and studios on video games tax credit, regulatory and commercial issues. Rupam Davé focuses his practice on technology and commercial partnerships, providing advice on development deals and emerging technologies. Mike Jones is noted for his work for start-up studios and major publishers.
Media: Video games in London
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
Practice head(s):
Kostyantyn Lobov; Mark Phillips
Other key lawyers:
Rupam Davé; Mike Jones; Edward Lane
Key clients
Sega
Take-Two Interactive
Electronic Arts
The Pokémon Company International
Rebellion
LCG Entertainment, Telltale Games
Reef Entertainment
Scriptic
Pixion Games
Work highlights
- Advising Sega on technology and data protection projects, centred around product development, customer contracting, cloud arrangements and outsourcing.
- Advising Take-Two Interactive on a broad range of legal work, including IP, commercial, technology, licensing, advertising and regulatory matters.
- Assisting EA with managing its UK trade mark portfolio and advising on other related matters.
RPC
RPC‘s interactive entertainment and esports practice is led by newly promoted partner and gaming expert Josh Charalambous, who excels in advising esports teams, investors and publishers on a commercial and regulatory issues. The group acts for an impressive client roster comprised of major publishers, developers, content companies and esports organisations, who routinely turn to the team for assistance with a wide range of matters, from commercial contracts, to data protection, advertising, IP and competition. Jeremy Drew handles sponsorship deals and content issues for gaming and esports clients, while Oliver Bray leverages his expertise in digital platforms and advertising to assist clients operating in this space. David Cran plays a prominent role in high-profile disputes.
Practice head(s):
Josh Charalambous
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Drew; Oliver Bray; David Cran; Gowri Chandrashekar; Jonathan Greenway
Key clients
Google and YouTube
Valve
Meta
Meta Reality Labs
Darabase
The Esports Awards
OliveX / Zombies
GiantX
Game Digital
Soft Construct
Mega Advanced Limited
SEGA
NCSoft
National Student Esports
Work highlights
- Representing Google as defendant in the highly publicised litigation before the Competition Appeal Tribunal involving Epic Games and the world-famous esports title Fortnite.
- Advising Google and YouTube on all aspects of their social media operations, including regulated areas of marketing activity, such as HFSS, gaming and alcohol.
- Advising MEGA Esports on a range of commercial work including sponsorship agency agreements to arrange for sponsor placements at its annual awards and future awards events.
Sheridans
Sheridans‘ interactive, advertising and design group has a strong presence in the computer games and interactive entertainment segments, assisting a plethora of gaming clients, including publishers, developers, esports teams, streamers and influencers. The team has wide-ranging expertise covering regulatory, commercial and transactional matters, and is singled out for its skills in AI, VR/XR, Web3 and NFTs. Practice head Alex Tutty ‘is a legend in the industry’ and co-leads the group alongside Jamie Smith. Tutty, who frequently contributes to publications relating to emerging areas of law and IP within the gaming sector, advises on game development. Alex Chapman is a gaming expert who focuses on acting for game developers and content creators in a slew of gaming-related commercial issues. Rahul Gandhi is active in bridge financing transactions for game development studios and technology start-ups, while Anna Poulter-Jones actively advises the video game and tabletop game industries on commercial and IP matters.
Practice head(s):
Alex Tutty; Jamie Smith
Other key lawyers:
Alex Chapman; Rahul Gandhi; Anna Poulter-Jones
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge and experience in video games, covering a wide range of disciplines including general commercial, IP protection, employment, licensing, privacy and others.’
‘Alex Chapman stands out for his deep knowledge and experience with issues that we are grappling with now. His advice is not just generic, but based on actual experience with those very same issues. That makes his advice very relevant and valuable.’
‘Alex Tutty goes above and beyond to become an essential part of our business. He is as near to a co-director as other partners, providing both legal advice and business input in equal measure. ’
‘The video games sector is unlike other tech sectors – and games businesses operate very differently to those the wider tech industry. As such it is imperative to use a law firm that understands the sector as well as our business. Sheridans has been advising games companies for over 20 years and the firm “knows its onions” when it comes to all things video games and law. The firm is one of – if not the – best in the sector boasting a litany of clients that are to be envied.’
‘Alex Chapman leads the wider interactive team at the firm (covering games, marketing, SaaS and digital agencies etc), and is the “grandfather” of the games industry. An expert and feared negotiator; he fights hard for his clients’ interest and runs rings around opposing counsel.’
‘Alex Tutty is the head of the video games team, and is another leading individual in the video games space advising game developers, publishers and services businesses of all sizes that support the sector. Alex Tutty is one of the best legal advisers in the games industry. Alex is personable and thoughtful, and his considered approach makes him a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Commercially pragmatic, legally knowledgeable, extremely personable and able to work in the way that we need them to – Sheridans are part of our ‘A-Team’ supporting on our most important matters.’
‘Alex Tutty is a legend in the industry and is the first stop for any games legal advice.’
Work highlights
Wiggin LLP
Fielding one of the leading interactive entertainment practices in the market, Wiggin LLP advises clients from the video gaming products and services industry on 'diverse matters related to game development', including contractual matters, IP protection and clearance, and regulatory compliance. The team attracts instructions from major global gaming publishers and developers, content creators, platforms, esports companies, technology companies and industry trade associations, which often seek advice on sensitive matters, such as online safety, monetisation and child protection. Practice head Paul Gardner 'is exceptionally experienced and has a deep understanding of the video game industry'. Peter Lewin provides 'practical, prompt and concise, as well as always industry-specific' advice on a host of commercial and regulatory gaming matters, the latter of which is a key area of focus for Isabel Davies.
Practice head(s):
Paul Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Peter Lewin; Isabel Davies
Testimonials
‘Certainly the most recognised video games team in the UK.’
‘Paul Gardner is the godfather of UK video games law. Peter Lewin a very talented young partner, and Isabel Davies certainly someone to watch.’
‘Wiggin is a prime, go-to entertainment law firm in the UK. They advise on diverse matters related to game development, licensing, talent agreements, and general UK and EU compliance matters.’
‘Paul Gardner is exceptionally experienced and has a deep understanding of the video game industry and legal as well as business challenges that the industry faces.’
‘Wiggin’s video games team has a deep understanding of the industry. They have huge experience in advising the sector. They are very client-focused, which makes their advice very practical. They are also very responsive to the specific needs of a client which results in tailormade advice. We have a lot of positive experience working with the team – we feel they understand our business very well.’
‘Peter Lewin is knowledgeable, smart, and overall a great person that we enjoy working with. His advice is practical, prompt and concise, as well as always industry-specific. We also appreciate his experience in drafting and reviewing commercial contracts within the sector.’
‘Our main contact is Isabel Davies – clearly destined for partnership in time, she is on a very positive trajectory and is very supportive, clear and authoritative on a number of topics in the law as it applies to video games. Paul Gardner is always on hand as the client partner, and continues to be a very comforting and friendly voice when needed.’
‘Wiggin is simply the best entertainment law firm in the UK. They have the expertise of seasoned lawyers like Paul Gardner and the fresh energy of young associates like Isabel Davies. Their knowledge of the video games industry, both legal and commercial, is second to none. ’
Key clients
Wargaming.net
Starbreeze
Enad Global 7 (EG7)
CCP Games
Facepunch Studios
Electronic Arts
The Yogscast
4J Studios
Work highlights
- Advising Electronic Arts on its sports licensing strategy.
- Advising Enad Global 7 on its development and publishing agreement for Aliens: Fireteam Elite.
- Advising Wargaming and CCP Games on a variety of games regulatory matters.
Bird & Bird LLP
Best known for its strength in tech-related matters, Bird & Bird LLP's media, entertainment and sports group advises video game companies on game developments, data regulation, as well as commercial challenges and opportunities. Focused on commercial and contractual matters, Will Deller assists with games publishing and development agreements, while Phil Sherrell specialises in media and IP law.
Practice head(s):
Phil Sherrell; Will Deller
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Buckwell
Key clients
TikTok
TuneIn
Warner Bros. Discovery
Daz
IOC
UK Radioplayer
Daily Mail
Royal Opera House
Radiant
Aser Media
Work highlights
DLA Piper
DLA Piper‘s media and entertainment practice advises multinational corporations and publishers on video game and interactive content matters, including AI, web3, lootboxes and other related issues. Video games expert Duncan Calow, who brings together expertise in technology and e-commerce, is the name to note for contractual and commercial issues in the gaming sector. Practice head Nick Fitzpatrick
advises global rights holders on esports matters, while John Wilks and Elinor Cavil focus on promotions for online games. Ally Clark is well versed in commercial, IP and regulatory issues relating to the gaming industry.
Practice head(s):
Nick Fitzpatrick
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Calow; Ally Clark; John Wilks; Elinor Cavil
Key clients
Aviva
Discovery Communications LLC; Liberty Global
Dentsu Group Inc.
Thomson Reuters
THG
UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media & Sport
Lego
ITV
The Football Association Premier League (the Premier League)
Investec
Thomson Reuters
Work highlights
Lee & Thompson LLP
Lee & Thompson LLP‘s video gaming practice is led by digital and tech law specialist Julian Ward, who excels in matters relating to the development and publication of video games, and is noted for his 'outstanding level of knowledge within the field of digital entertainment, IP and video games'. Instructed by independent publishers, indie studios, global video game companies and platforms, the team is particularly skilled in mobile gaming, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) issues. The group also assists gaming companies with IP, data privacy and corporate mandates, including M&A transactions. Andy Florence is active in esports, online platform distribution and video game publishing matters.
Practice head(s):
Julian Ward
Other key lawyers:
Andy Florence
Testimonials
‘I’ve worked most closely with Julian Ward, who is a tremendously capable lawyer with outstanding knowledge. But Julian is also an excellent communicator; affable, persuasive, and warm, his attitude makes working through difficult legal issues a pleasure. He is highly effective in tough negotiations with counterparties.’
‘The team has in-depth knowledge of video games and they are easy to work with. It is quite important for a legal team to be able to work with people that don’t have legal training and communicate in a way that finds mutual understanding. I really appreciate how they make it so easy to work with them.’
‘Julian Ward is one of the best partners that I’ve worked with. He had very good grasp of the video game industry and the challenges that it often faces. He works to resolve the issues/concerns and support the clients to go through the details in contracts, negotiations, etc. ’
‘Julian Ward is always approachable, listens to what our team needs and consistently delivers. Andy Florence – complements Julian as his ‘right hand man’ and is thorough and methodical in how he approaches our workload needs.’
‘The team is professional, down-to-earth people and that is what is great about them. I have full confidence speaking with the team as I know that everything we speak about is in confidence and will be dealt with professionally and that is what I want from my legal partners.’
‘Everybody I have dealt with has been easy to speak with and for me, that makes a huge difference as I know I can trust any advice or decisions that a team member of L&T provides me.’
‘A very tailored and personal approach which provides reassurance when dealing with complex and demanding international situations/requirements.’
‘Julian Ward has an outstanding level of knowledge within the field of digital entertainment, IP and video games. ’
Key clients
Maximillian Studios
Jagex
Team 17
FunPlus
Wired Productions
Pixel Toys
Rapideyemovers
Reality Gaming
Maximum Entertainment
Hutch Games
Work highlights
- Acting as Maximillian Studios Inc’s primary appointed external counsel.
- Assisting Jagex with all its games-focused commercial, licensing and IP transactional work as its primary appointed external counsel.
- Acting as the sole external legal counsel to Pixel Toys.
Lewis Silkin
Nick Allan leads the interactive entertainment group at Lewis Silkin which handles a wide range of matters in the gaming segment, including IP, regulatory data protection and content distribution issues, as well as commercial contract negotiations concerning game development, publishing and licensing agreements. The team attracts instructions from multinational video game publishers, external developers, and independent developers. Allan who stands out for his regulatory, commercial and IP knowledge of the video gaming sector, and is regularly sought out by clients to advise on external video game development deals. The team has also grown its practice in relation to providing regional trade associations with legal advice following the arrival of Laura Harper from Irwin Mitchell in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
Nick Allan
Other key lawyers:
Laura Harper
Key clients
Keywords Studios
NetEase Games
Square Enix
Dovetail Games
Jagex
Piggyback Interactive
Surgent Studios
Ustwo Games
XR Games
Build a Rocket Boy
Work highlights
- Advised Keywords Studios on an outsourcing deal with a publisher for the full development of a video game.
- Advised Surgent Studios on all legal aspects relating to its forthcoming game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau.
- Advised the founders of a UK independent video game studio on its sale to a trade buyer.
Reed Smith LLP
The media and entertainment group at Reed Smith LLP assists notable gaming studios, e-sports companies and technology corporations. The practice stands out in the market for its international focus, often working alongside teams from its global network on cross-border gaming matters. Elle Todd leads the wider media and entertainment group from London, while the video game team is under the joint leadership of Gregor Pryor and Sophie Goossens. Pryor advises gaming clients on web3 and music rights-related issues, and Goossens is noted for her expertise in technology and gaming, including copyright matters. Nick Breen focuses on cross-border licensing and transactional mandates.
Practice head(s):
Elle Todd
Other key lawyers:
Sophie Goossens; Gregor Pryor; Nick Breen
Work highlights
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP‘s gaming practice is known for its prowess in publishing, and has more recently advised clients on generative AI models for user generated games and regulatory issues involving the Digital Services Act (DSA). The team advises major publishers, developers and investors from the video gaming industry on a host of legal matters, covering monetisation and revenue models, commercial agreements, IP, gambling regulation and M&A. The team is co-led by Graham Hann and Robert Fenner. Hann advises on player acquisition, IP, data and a myriad of other gaming-related issues. Fenner and Paul Thorpe handle corporate matters for gaming clients, while Xuyang Zhu advises on digital content services, media rights and AI issues. Richard Faichney is active in investments and M&A in the gaming industry.
Practice head(s):
Graham Hann; Robert Fenner
Other key lawyers:
Paul Thorpe; Xuyang Zhu; Richard Faichney
Testimonials
‘The team at Taylor Wessing is great. They are on top of the market and know what is happening. Very deep level understanding of the gaming industry and a very avid participant in industry events.’
‘Richard Faichney is fantastic. Always available, great attention to detail and extreme knowledge of what the market is doing given his involvement in all the main industry events in the UK. Always a pleasure to meet him and work with him. Highly recommend.’
‘They were extremely professional and offered practical advice in assisting us with negotiating and finalising an agreement between our company and several companies that were using our registered trade marks. The team’s advice was very helpful in getting us to final agreements.’
‘Taylor Wessing is an incredible firm with a depth of knowledge. My company operates at the intersection of crypto and gaming and they have gone above and beyond to support us. This is an industry that is very new and evolving, and Taylor Wessing has become experts in this space.’
‘We work closely with Richard Faichney at Taylor Wessing and he is the best lawyer I have ever personally worked with. He is always quick to respond and can hop on a call to dive deeper into issues whenever needed. He deeply understands the gaming industry and has become an expert in bitcoin and cryptocurrency. He also understands the growing pains of a start-up. He has become more than just legal counsel and truly feels like an extension of our team. I could not recommend him enough!’
Key clients
Bitkraft Ventures
Behaviour Interactive
THNDR Games
ZYNGA Games
Flutter
Valve
Work highlights
- Advised BITKRAFT Ventures as the lead investor on the $5.7m seed round by Scriptic.
- Advised Behaviour™ Interactive on the UK elements of its acquisition of SockMonkey Studios.
- Assisted Zynga Games and subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive with updating its consumer-facing terms for the Zynga Store.
Baker McKenzie
Combining expertise in social media, interactive content and gaming, Baker McKenzie is a popular choice for multinational media players seeking advice on video gaming-related matters. Digital media specialist Ben Allgrove has assisted video gaming publishers with complex regulatory matters, and is adept in IP-related issues such as third party rights and in-bound content licensing.
Practice head(s):
Ben Allgrove
Key clients
BBC Studios
Hutch Games
Index Ventures
Inspired Entertainment
Netflix
Orfium
Snapchat
Sony
Sovereign Films
YouTube
Work highlights
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher fields a corporate-focused video gaming practice which advises major publishers and developers on corporate matters, including M&A transactions. The team also draws on its strong data privacy capabilities to assist gaming clients with data-related issues. Practice head John Brunning is a key contact for contractual and regulatory mandates, showcasing strength in digital regulations and publishing agreements. Ed Westhead acts for listed and unlisted gaming companies in corporate and M&A matters.
Practice head(s):
John Brunning
Other key lawyers:
Ed Westhead; Hazel Grant
Testimonials
‘Fieldfisher are a leader in the video games sector. They have a deep roster of clients, they see many of the issues we face and thus are extremely easy (and efficient) to work with.’
‘John Brunning is exceptional. He is a problem-solver who routinely takes ownership of any matter we send his way and ensures that the legal service delivered by other Fieldfisher lawyers around the globe is up to his own high standard. I value his opinion and experience and regularly consult him on any number of issues facing the company.’
Key clients
Devolver Digital
Nintendo of Europe GmbH
Take-Two Interactive Software
Kwalee Ltd
1SP Agency (MSM.Digital)
Wizards of the Coast LLC (“WOTC”)
Reliance Games Group
Pause.NFT LTD
Sidequest Meta Limited (trading as Sidequest)