Bird & Bird LLP‘s video gaming team falls within the firms media, entertainment, and sport group and supports clients with IP, commercial, data, and technology issues. Of recent note, the practice has been active in advising on online safety, fielding a specialist team to advise gaming clients on compliance and regulatory engagement with the Online Safety Act 2023. The firm acts for major international and multinational gaming publishers and developers. Will Deller jointly leads the team alongside Alex Dixie; Deller specialises in contractual issues, as well as consumer and advertising regulation for the video games sector. He is also well-versed in the esports ecosystem, advising publishers, tournament organisers, and teams on commercial and regulatory matters. Phil Sherrell is a go-to litigator for gaming companies, handling a range of issues such as copyright enforcement, search and seizure orders, international raids, and other IP disputes. Emma Drake is highly adept at handling issues related to online safety. Also noted is Sophie Stoneham, who is well-versed in regulatory issues such as age ratings, online safety, loot boxes, dark patterns, and gambling regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We asked the firm to advise us on the laws and regulations of quite a number of jurisdictions regarding video games, and they were able to use their extensive network to get us the right answers. The firm's expertise in this area and its extensive network of jurisdictions is a great advantage for the client, as it allows us to centralise our answers and get them quickly. I believe this is one of the firm's strengths.’
‘Will Deller is not only an expert in the gaming field, but also did an excellent job handling the matter by successfully organising a network of team members within the firm and with outside firms. He was able to answer the client's questions with the right content and with the depth and volume that the client needed.'
‘Bird & Bird's video gaming team led by Will Deller provides timely and practical advice on gaming regulations. Will is my go-to local counsel for video gaming matters not just for the UK but also generally for Europe. Will and his team have advised on large-scale and complex multi-jurisdictional projects for our clients seeking advice on local regulations.’
‘Will Deller is responsive, reliable, prompt, straightforward, and practical.'
'Sophie Stoneham has clear communication.’
‘They combine breadth of knowledge with depth of experience in a truly exceptional way. We operate globally, and frequently need advice across multiple jurisdictions and regions -- Bird & Bird either has firms everywhere we need advice, or connections with excellent local firms who can deliver equivalent quality counsel. This allows them to provide a seamless process when dealing with multiple firms in multiple countries/regions unmatched.’
Key clients
- Epic Games
- TakeTwo Interactive
- Tencent
- Activision Blizzard
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Will Deller; Alex Dixie
Other key lawyers
Phil Sherrell; Emma Drake; Sophie Stoneham; Tiran Gunawardena