Team size: 40

What are the most significant cases, transactions or projects that your legal team has recently been involved in?

As an entertainment and video game company, we operate at the forefront of the entertainment and technology industries. Recently, we have been providing guidance around the use of blockchain and web3. Additionally, we have been exploring guidelines for the use of AI in game development and marketing. While our headquarters are in Japan, our products and services are distributed globally, which requires our team to address issues arising from new regulations and technologies from a worldwide perspective. We have recently collaborated with our European and American teams to revise the standard EULA for our products, ensuring that it reflects the latest business and legal changes that have occurred over the past few years. Managing the risks associated with multiple jurisdictions is a complex process, but our team has successfully achieved the right balance.

On the transactional side, our company owns some of the most well-known video game brands. In addition to the usual transactions involved in publishing our games and licensing our IP, we have been actively supporting the company’s investments in game tech startups this year. Personally, I have been extensively involved in negotiating multiple film deals for our most iconic IPs.

Could you share an example of a time when your team came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

Over the past few years, operations have been a key focus for us. Four years ago, we implemented a comprehensive web-based contract and support management system, enabling centralized management of all internal requests. As matters come in, we tag them, facilitating future analysis. Recently, we have utilised the data collected to streamline recurring tasks and create manuals, allowing junior staff members to handle these matters, resulting in faster response times and a more cohesive and cost-effective approach.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values?

Alignment on values and culture is incredibly important for us. We are a company that’s purpose is to deliver fun to the world. Working with external lawyers that understand our goals and how we do business makes any project go much smoother. It is also necessary for external lawyers to have a global mindset. Local expertise is why we hire them, but they need to understand how their advice fits into the overall framework, and be proactive in finding solutions that work.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Something I always tell my team is to take an interest in things. Taking an interest in the business team’s products is key, which is especially easy if you work for a game company. Knowing how your company’s products and services are made will not only help you give better advice, but demonstrating your interest will help build stronger relationships with your business partners.

Also, take an interest in the people you work with. As a lawyer, your advice can have a major impact on the business’ projects. It could result in more cost, a change in product design, or the cancellation entirely. Obviously we need to give proper advice regardless of how difficult the situation, but understanding the impact your advice has and showing empathy will help the business partner to trust the advice you give.