(February 9, 2011, Los Angeles, CA) - The Video Game Bar Association, a worldwide organization of attorneys whose primary practice focuses on the video game/ interactive media industry, has launched, with invitations sent to more than 100 attorneys in North America and Europe.
"The legal issues facing a games attorney are unique," said Patrick Sweeney, head of Reed Smith's Video Game Practice and a member of the association's Board. "With the rapid growth of a worldwide games industry, an association of like-minded practitioners in this dynamic industry is long overdue."
In addition to Mr. Sweeney, other members of the Board include George Rose, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer at Activision Blizzard, Inc.; David Anderson, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for THQ, Inc; David Rosenbaum of the Law Offices of David Rosenbaum; and Konstantin Ewald of Germany-based law firm Osborne Clarke.
Video games are a multi-billion dollar industry, despite a slowdown in consumer spending, and the number of attorneys specializing in the industry is on the rise as issues unique to the games business increasingly require specialized counsel both on an in-house and an external basis.
In order to be eligible for membership in the Video Game Bar Association, individuals must (a) be admitted to practice law in any jurisdiction; (b) have two years experience as a games industry attorney with substantial responsibility/practice area within the business (i.e., in-house); and (c) be recommended by at least 2 existing members of the membership who are not from the same firm (or one member of the Board). Members of the association will, among other benefits, be able to attend in-person networking and continuing legal education opportunities.
Mr. Sweeney surveyed video game lawyers at last year's E3 and GDC Europe/Gamescom to ask if they would be interested in an association geared to them.
- Nearly 75% of those who responded to the survey had four or more years of experience representing game industry companies or clients (half of whom have 11 or more years' experience);
- Nearly 75% of the respondents said that their representation of game industry companies or clients accounts for between 76% and 100% of their professional time;
- 86% of the respondents said that the opportunity to meet other game attorneys face-to-face was very important to them. Many felt that an association with global membership would be valuable for referrals and advice;
- Between 63% and 83% of the respondents said that they were interested in continuing legal education, professional standards and "best practices" for our industry.
"As more and more attorneys look at this growing industry as a significant part of their practices, it's only natural for an organization like this to arise," said Mr. Sweeney. "I'm thrilled to be working with David, George, Dave and Konni in launching the V.G.B.A."
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,600 lawyers in 22 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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