Game and Entertainment
(1) Intellectual property management
We provide support for the appropriate acquisition, utilization and management of intellectual property rights (copyrights, trademark rights, publicity rights, etc.) related to characters, designs, music, scenarios, and talent, which are essential to the game and entertainment business. We draft, review, and negotiate contracts such as publishing agreements, license agreements, merchandising agreements, and joint development agreements based on our extensive practical experience.
(2) Infringement response
In case of intellectual property infringement, we will promptly conduct a legal assessment and propose and implement appropriate measures, such as sending warning letters, injunctive relief, claim for damages and filing provisional dispositions. We also support requests for removal from social media, video streaming platforms, app stores, etc., as well as coordination with these platform operators. Additionally, we establish monitoring systems to detect infringements and develop internal response procedures. For international infringement cases, we collaborate with foreign attorneys to consider global responses.
(3) Game operation
We provide ongoing legal support for everyday legal issues in game operations. This includes confirming the legality of events and campaigns (the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, the Payment Services Act, the Consumer Contract Act, etc.), responding to users (responding to violations of terms of use, account suspensions, refund and billing issues), community management (responding to slander and illegal posts, establishing a reporting system), personal information protection (establishing privacy policies, confirming the legality of data use), and compliance with “gacha” regulations and display rules.
(4) Contract administration
We provide business support through preparation, legal review and negotiation of various types of contracts unique to the game and entertainment industries.
・Game industry
– Development outsourcing contracts
– Joint development contracts
– Production committee contracts
・Entertainment industry
– Talent management contracts
– Advertising appearance contracts
(5) Labor and outsourcing contractor management
We support the balance between flexible working styles and legal compliance in the production field.
We provide advice on contract management practices with external creators and freelancers, compliance with the Subcontract Act and the Freelance Protection Act, harassment response, and employee labor management.
(6) Launching a project
We identify potential legal risks in each phase of new projects, such as the development of new game titles and esports events, and provide countermeasures. We provide support to ensure the legality and safety of projects from the planning stage, including license processing, performer contracts, sponsorship contracts, and compliance with the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations and advertising regulations.