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

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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Before launch, we review your game content (music, brands, characters, UGC) to flag risks of infringement so you can go to market with confidence.

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  • Where games rely on systematic collections of data, such as player rankings or customisation libraries, database rights could help protect against misuse.

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Regulatory: your compliance partner

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.

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Buying a video game business  

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 video game business    

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 sales & purchases

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.

Business asset sale & purchase  

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

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

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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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