The long, but surprisingly simple, road to becoming an authority
Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck talks about some of the reasons why building authority can benefit a game developer and one way that it can be accomplished.
All copyright protection is not created equal – here’s why!
In order to qualify for federal copyright protection, a minimum spark of creativity or originality is required. However, just meeting this standard does not always give the greatest protection under U.S. copyright law. Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck explains the concept of “thin” copyright protection.
Legal Update: California judge tosses Noriega case against Activision
Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck takes a look at Activision’s success in fighting off a right of publicity lawsuit by former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega.
Got a trademark? Don’t make these mistakes and lose your rights!
Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck examines some of the ways that a trademark holder can lose their rights. These issues range from non-use to becoming generic, and are all dangerous if a mark is to maintain its distinctiveness.
Developer threatens legal action against allegedly “cloned” Kickstarter game
Game attorney Zachary Strebeck looks at the threat of legal action by Indie Boards & Cards against a recently-funded Kickstarter project, Moriarty’s Machinations. Is it really a clone, or do the threats have no basis in the law?
Licensing someone else’s IP? Don’t make these 2 huge mistakes!
Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck looks at two crucial mistakes to avoid when licensing another company’s intellectual property. These include issues with the “chain of title” that should be addressed before they cause big trouble for a developer.
Can you use other companies’ trademarks in your video game?
Game attorney Zachary Strebeck examines some of the case law surrounding the use of third-party trademarks in video games. While trademark protection is generally very strong, in these cases the First Amendment often reigns supreme.
Can you use another game’s trademarked name to describe your own?
California game lawyer Zachary Strebeck looks at how someone might be liable for trademark infringement if they use another company’s mark when advertising their game project, as well as an affirmative defense to this infringement.
Bang! creator sues Legend of the Three Kingdoms makers
Game lawyer Zachary Strebeck takes a look at the latest news in the legal battle between the makers of the Bang! and Legend of the Three Kingdoms card games. This decision shows that judicial rulings on game copyright protection may be shifting in favor of more protection.
Where can a game developer get sued in the U.S.?
California game lawyer gives a short overview of personal jurisdiction, as it might relate to game development. Knowing where a developer can get sued in the U.S. may help to explain why Terms of Service agreements exist.
