Copyright Law for Video Games

This is an Archive of a Past Event

Todd Smithline, Copyright Law for Video Games. The rules and mechanics of a game have historically not been protected by copyright. A recent spate of cases involving clones of mobile video games, however, is challenging that understanding with consequences already being felt well beyond the phone. We will explore these new cases and consider how they may limit creative choices for all kinds of game developers.

Todd Smithline is the principal of Smithline PC, a San Francisco law firm focusing exclusively on technology transactions, product legal review and open source advising. As principal, Todd oversees the six attorney firm’s representation of leading Internet, SaaS/software, device and video game clients. Smithline PC provides its services on a fixed-fee subscription basis. Prior to founding the firm in 2004, Todd was General Counsel of Marimba, Inc. an enterprise software company he helped guide from start-up to successful public company. Todd also served as Vice President of Business Affairs & Legal for Shockwave.com. Todd is an Adjunct Lecturer at the UC Berkeley School of Law where he teaches Video Game Law.

Interactive media and games increasingly pervade and shape our society. In addition to their dominant roles in entertainment, videogames play growing roles in education, arts, science and health. This seminar series brings together a diverse set of experts to provide interdisciplinary perspectives on these media regarding their history, technologies, scholarly research, industry, artistic value and potential future. As the speakers and title suggest, the series also provides a topical lens for the diverse aspects of our lives.