Esports has become a big business and spectator sport with thousands of people attending live events where teams of video gamers compete against each other. Online viewing of tournaments can draw millions of viewers. The esports industry is enjoying the popularity of traditional sports in many key areas; however, the structure necessary to facilitate its growth is not keeping pace, so while esports continues to grow, the number and complexity of legal issues has also increased.
As a full-service law firm, Archer’s esports team represents multiple disciplines, including, among others, immigration, public finance, labor and employment, intellectual property, litigation, business counseling, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, media and communication, international law, and data privacy and cybersecurity.
By combining our experience in gaming and sports law, our lawyers are well-positioned to advise clients on all aspects of the industry, from regulatory, financial and other legal issues common to more traditional professional sports, to the host of challenges unique to esports.
Our attorneys work with:
- Team and League Organizations
- Colleges and Universities with Existing or Developing Esports Programs and Clubs
- Marketing and Media Companies
- Tournament and Charitable Event Organizers
- Brands
- Players
- Potential Investors and Private Equity Funds
- Game Companies
- Content Creators and Online Influencers
- Sports Competition Venues
We understand the global and competitive nature of esports, combined with its increasingly strong internet presence, and continually monitor developments to ensure our clients are current with the legislative and regulatory landscape
Archer attorneys advise clients on the full spectrum of issues within esports in, among others, the following services:
- Corporate
- Financing
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Sports Law
- Investments
- Tax
- Real Estate
- Construction
- Intellectual Property
- Labor & Employment
- Litigation
- Immigration & Global Mobility
- Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
We provide counsel on a variety of issues, and protect and represent our clients’ business and legal interests. We understand that there is no uniformity in esports, and that every client is unique in their interests and goals. Our group’s blending of experience enables us to advise clients on all of the issues that arise within esports and provide our clients with focused problem solving and specialized attention.
Our attorneys advise clients on matters, including, but not limited to:
- Collegiate Esports Programs, including Compliance with National Associations and Title IX
- Patents, Trademarks and Copyright Protection
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues
- Sponsorships and Endorsements
- Contracts/Agreements
- Streaming and Digital Broadcasting
- Merchandising and eCommerce
- Visa & Immigration Matters
- Financing
- Tax Planning
- Gambling and Sweepstakes
- Compliance with Privacy and Data Security Regulations
- Business Formation (Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships)
- Sports Governance
- Litigation, including Breach of Contract Disputes and Esports League Inquiries and Disputes