LAW 7358 - Video Game Law

The video game industry is larger than the film, television, and music industries combined and, in 2022, was estimated to have a revenue of almost $387 billion. This growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon, and with the emergence of new ways to participate in and consume gaming content, there are thousands of opportunities to work in video games. This course provides students with the opportunity to gain a practical understanding of the unique business and legal issues related to video game development, publishing, and distribution. Topics include: (i) overview of IP ownership, IP clearance, and user-generated content; (ii) privacy and data security; (iii) licensing and EULAs; (iv) streamers, marketing, and the FTC; (v) consumer products; and (vi) AI, virtual reality, and mixed reality platforms. Students will also learn to draft and negotiate agreements common to the industry. Prerequisites: Intellectual Property Law (Law7555) or Copyright Law (Law7822); either of these classes may be taken simultaneously with this course. This course is an approved elective for the Entertainment Law Emphasis. Letter grade. 2 credits