Harbottle & Lewis LLP excels at advising video game and esport clients on a wide range of issues. The firm’s clientele includes global publishers and IP owners, smaller publishers, and distributors. It is highly experienced in negotiating game deals and representing clients in media disputes that often include cross-border elements. The team also advises indie gaming studios and trade associations on video gaming matters. The firm boasts a strong corporate team to support clients with investments and M&A in the gaming sector. Mark Phillips co-leads the practice and is an expert in commercial video game matters, and co-head Kostyantyn Lobov is well-known for his commercial, IP, and regulatory work in the gaming industry. Ed Lane is a go-to for corporate issues and was promoted to partner in April 2025. Marissa Beatty is a newly promoted senior associate who focuses on IP disputes for the gaming sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘In-depth knowledge of the industry with a down-to-earth and highly intelligent team. We work very closely with the team on strategic approach (particularly on IP portfolio work).’
‘Kostyantyn Lobov is highly intelligent, really understands the gaming and esports industry and is able to distil complex points into digestible communication.'
'Jordan-Marie Caton is friendly, efficient, and reliable.’
‘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.’
‘Kostyantyn Lobov is exceptional. He is an avid gamer and the first person I turn to for advice. He is a calm under pressure, an excellent IP lawyer, and very commercial.'
'Mark Phillips has been my main point of contact from day one, and his support has been invaluable. He understands the realities of running a small business and approaches the relationship with a genuine sense of partnership, never just transactional, but always professional. His deep understanding and knowledge of the video games industry and its unique challenges has been especially important.'
Key clients
- SEGA
- Take-Two Interactive
- Electronic Arts
- The Pokémon Company International
- Rebellion
- F1 Arcade
- Reef Entertainment
- Scriptic
- Wushu
- UKIE
Work highlights
Advised SEGA on cutting edge technology, data, and regulatory matters.
Advised Take-Two Interactive on a wide range of IP, commercial, and regulatory matters.
Advised The Pokémon Company International on a variety of commercial, IP, advertising, and regulatory matters.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Kostyantyn Lobov; Mark Phillips
Other key lawyers
Jordan-Marie Caton; Ed Lane; Marissa Beatty