Legal Ramifications of User-Created Content in Open and Closed Virtual Worlds

Speakers: Sean Kane

Track: Business and Management

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: All

Description: As video games become more complex, many games have begun to differentiate themselves from their competitors by inviting the players to help design aspects of the game or even the entire game universe. This session addresses the legal issues raised by such user-created content, including copyright (are these derivative works?), trademark (can a player create a recognizable mark that has independent value?), ownership (who is the “owner� of property or user-created aspects?), licensing (what rights do other players have to access, enjoy, and change this content?), virtual world crimes, and the legal responsibility of designers and manufacturers to their players.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees learn that the fate of EULAs may be in flux and gaming companies must balance their desire to gain market share with their potential exposure to their players relating to their rights, value and ownership in IP assets.

Intended Audience: The intended audience for this session are individuals involved in the management, legal and development portion of the industry. It would be the decision makers and idea people who dictate company strategy.