Agenda

Game developers invest deeply in their creative work, but without a clear understanding of intellectual property (IP), that work is vulnerable to theft, misuse, or expensive legal disputes.

This session provides essential guidance to avoid mistakes that can derail the creative process or threaten the survival of an emerging studio. IP attorney and former software engineer, Benjamin Siders, guides attendees through the process of protecting their creative work, spotting legal risks and knowing when to call in professional legal help. He will cover common, and costly, mistakes developers make with collaborators, contracts and AI-generated content.

Using real-world examples and hypotheticals, Benjamin details what developers can manage on their own and where hidden traps often lie. Attendees will walk away with legal literacy, practical DIY strategies to reduce risk, and the confidence that their creations are protected, and that they are not unintentionally infringing on others' property.

Takeaway

Attendees gain essential working knowledge of intellectual property law in game development. The session covers how to protect creative assets, avoid costly mistakes in collaboration and invention agreements, clarify ownership, register copyrights, safely use AI-generated content, and understand which legal steps are DIY, and when to call in an attorney.

Intended Audience

As presenter Benjamin Siders says, "If you're going to create it, protect it." This session is tailored for any developer seeking to avoid costly intellectual property mistakes, from established studios to individual creators. No prior legal training or IP knowledge is required.