Interactive Entertainment
Legal XP You Can Trust
Introduction
The interactive entertainment and video games industry is a global powerhouse, bigger than music and film combined, and it’s continuing to reshape the entertainment world at pace. We are passionate about the intersection of technology, creativity, and commerce that drives this vibrant sector.
From indie studios to multinational publishers, content creators to service providers, our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate the unique opportunities and challenges of this dynamic industry.
Our expertise:
Development: no bugs - no legal gaps
Game development is global. We advise on securing visas and work permissions for key international hires - ensuring you can bring in the best talent, whether for a AAA studio, indie team, or external collaboration.
See our full immigration support offering here →
Protect your IP and avoid disputes by putting the right agreements in place. We draft and review contracts that secure your ownership of game assets and code, while addressing key issues like remote working, use of personal equipment and AI-assisted creation.
See our full employment offering here →
Many studios outsource components from art to sound design. We help structure these arrangements to protect confidentiality, define ownership of created works and manage risk.
Joint projects can bring great rewards and complex risks. We draft joint development agreements that clearly set out roles, responsibilities, funding, milestones and who owns the end product (and how revenue is shared).
Your tools shape your game. We advise on licensing agreements for engines like Unreal, Unity, and proprietary platforms helping you secure the rights you need while managing costs and compliance.
Want to build your game on a famous franchise, film or book? We help you license well-known IP (or license out your own) in ways that protect value, manage brand risk and avoid infringement claims.
From music tracks to real-world brands and character likenesses, third-party IP is everywhere in modern games. We help you secure and manage the rights to use this content legally, in-game, in marketing and beyond.
Modern game development brings modern risks. We draft and advise on internal policies for AI use including emerging practices like “vibe coding” and open-source software compliance.
From securing your game against hacks and leaks to helping you implement cheat prevention strategies that protect your players and your brand, we advise on the legal side of keeping your game fair and safe.
Whether you’re bootstrapping, crowdfunding or seeking venture capital/private equity, we structure your financing to protect your IP and your vision. We help you negotiate clean term sheets, protect against dilution and plan for exit.
Distribution: no lag - legal delivery
We help you navigate agreements with Apple, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, Steam, and other platforms, from launch terms to in-app purchase compliance and cloud gaming terms.
If you’re working directly with console platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo), we guide you on licensing, exclusivity, and technical compliance terms, helping you hit deadlines without hidden legal risks.
We assist in negotiating publisher deals, such as EA or Bethesda, that balance creative control with commercial success ensuring you retain rights where it matters, while leveraging publisher expertise and funding.
Whether it’s in-game ads or social media pushes, we help you comply with advertising law and platform policies while maximising your marketing impact.
We draft influencer agreements that protect your game’s reputation, set clear deliverables, and manage issues like ASA compliance, disclosure requirements, and IP use.
Protecting IP: power up your IP protection
Games combine many copyright works: code, music, visuals and narrative elements. Studios should ensure they own or license all these components, especially when using freelancers, contractors or licensed assets. Clearance checks reduce the risk of claims.
A game’s title, logo and iconic characters are powerful assets. Studios should consider trademark registration early, not only for games but for merchandising, events, related media and be aware of territorial limits and renewal obligations.
Visual elements from characters to UI and hardware may be protected by design rights. Registration can offer long-term protection and support enforcement efforts against copycats.
While patents are rare in games themselves, certain technical innovations (like controllers or VR systems) could be protectable. Studios should assess whether any of their developments meet the criteria for patent protection.
Studios should be aware of passing off risks, where others attempt to exploit the goodwill of a game’s brand or characters without permission. This can apply to copycat games, unauthorised merchandise or misleading marketing. Taking early advice can help protect your reputation and rights.
Trade secrets - confidential Information: leaks can harm the commercial success of a game long before launch. Studios should use NDAs and clear internal policies to protect sensitive technical and creative information.
Before launch, we review your game content (music, brands, characters, UGC) to flag risks of infringement so you can go to market with confidence.
Where games rely on systematic collections of data, such as player rankings or customisation libraries, database rights could help protect against misuse.
Regulatory: your compliance partner
Age ratings are essential for compliance and market access. Studios should factor in rating requirements early in development to avoid delays at launch, and ensure they meet standards across all target jurisdictions.
Consumer law impacts advertising, refunds, subscription terms, and in-app purchases. Studios should ensure their terms and marketing comply with local consumer protection rules to avoid regulatory action.
Microtransactions, loot boxes, and similar features are under growing regulatory scrutiny. Studios should ensure transparency and fairness, and be aware of age-related restrictions and disclosure obligations.
Games increasingly collect player data, from account details to gameplay analytics. Studios must ensure compliance with UK GDPR and other data laws, including clear privacy notices and secure data practices.
For more information on our data protection please see here →
Where game features could be seen as gambling (such as loot boxes), studios should carefully assess regulatory risks and take steps to ensure compliance or adjust features as needed.
Studios should consider their responsibilities to protect players, particularly minors, from harmful content and interactions. Compliance with online safety rules, such as the Online Safety Act, is increasingly expected as part of good practice.
Acquiring or selling a video game business involves navigating a complex landscape filled with opportunities and risks. Whether you're buying a game studio to gain new IP, talent, and technology, or selling one to make a strategic move, careful planning and due diligence are essential.
Here are some key considerations for buying, selling, and managing share and asset transactions in the video game industry, ensuring that all parties achieve their desired outcomes while minimizing potential pitfalls.
Acquiring a game studio or related business can open up new IP, talent, and technology, but also brings risks. Studios and investors should be mindful of hidden liabilities, IP ownership gaps, and integration challenges. Careful due diligence and well-structured agreements help ensure the deal delivers its intended value.
Selling a game studio or related company can be a strategic move for founders, investors or larger groups. Sellers should consider how to present a clean asset base, ensure proper IP assignments and manage warranties and indemnities to reduce post-sale risk. Early legal input can help prepare for a smooth transaction.
Share transactions can reshape ownership and control without changing the underlying business operations. Both buyers and sellers should think carefully about shareholder rights, governance changes and protections against historic liabilities. Clear terms reduce the chance of disputes down the line.
Where only part of a business (eg specific IP, a game title, or a division) is being sold or bought, asset deals require precise definitions of what is included and what isn’t. Studios should pay particular attention to IP assignments, ongoing licence rights, and transition arrangements to keep operations smooth post-deal.
Meet our team
Mark Neale
Partner
Skills: Negotiation power, compliance strength, IP precision, tech foresight
Achievements: Start-up supporter, data defender, cyber shield
Favourite game: Forza
Currently playing: Mario Kart (with my 6 year old)
Josh Day
Senior Associate
Skills: Negotiation power, compliance strength, IP precision, tech foresight
Achievements: Start-up supporter, data defender, cyber shield
Favourite game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Currently playing: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Jack Edwards
Associate
Skills: Negotiation power, compliance strength, IP precision, tech foresight
Achievements: Start-up supporter, data defender, cyber shield
Favourite game: Minecraft
Currently playing: Cyberpunk 2077
Testimonials
"The team has highly qualified people who are approachable, understanding and helpful. They are swift in response, agile and articulate."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"They have a good mix of background expertise combined with a pragmatic approach and industry knowledge."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths are very knowledgeable in the sector."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
The team are highly skilled and experienced, sharing unique insights to solve problems and offer potential solutions.
The Legal 500, 2024
They are very hands-on and join meetings, supporting our teams and working collaboratively.
The Legal 500, 2024
They are also very responsive and helped when timescales were tight.
The Legal 500, 2024
They are skilled, articulate and levelled.
The Legal 500, 2024
Competitive, risk averse problem solvers.
The Legal 500, 2024
Freeths provide training, articles, and know-how. They are excellent value for money.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The team at Freeths are experts in their area, and are also extremely effective communicators.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Loving technology
Our IT lawyers live and breathe all things digital and data
Speaking technology
Acronyms fill this sector. Our lawyers know most of them and love learning new ones
Embracing technology
Technology is critical to our success and something that we embrace
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
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