A leading force in the video games industry, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is trusted by major global publishers, IP owners, developers, trade associations and esports organisations. The firm handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious issues, including IP portfolio management and litigation, as well as regulatory, commercial and transactional matters. The practice, which has been consistently growing its indie developer client base, is often engaged in M&A and investment rounds in the gaming sector. Gaming experts Kostyantyn Lobov and Mark Phillips jointly oversee the department. Bringing together expertise in IP, commercial and regulatory law, Lobov assists major client with domestic and international mandates. Widely respected throughout Europe, co-head Phillips regularly advises publishers on major commercial agreements, and studios on video games tax credit, regulatory and commercial issues. Rupam Davé focuses his practice on technology and commercial partnerships, providing advice on development deals and emerging technologies. Mike Jones is noted for his work for start-up studios and major publishers.
Key clients
- Sega
- Take-Two Interactive
- Electronic Arts
- The Pokémon Company International
- Rebellion
- LCG Entertainment, Telltale Games
- Reef Entertainment
- Scriptic
- Pixion Games
Work highlights
- Advising Sega on technology and data protection projects, centred around product development, customer contracting, cloud arrangements and outsourcing.
- Advising Take-Two Interactive on a broad range of legal work, including IP, commercial, technology, licensing, advertising and regulatory matters.
- Assisting EA with managing its UK trade mark portfolio and advising on other related matters.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kostyantyn Lobov, Mark Phillips