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Esports Law

Can I host a tournament without permission?

It depends on the game publisher. Most have "Community License" guidelines for small tournaments, but large events require a commercial license.

Who owns my in-game account?

Legally, the publisher owns the account, and you only have a license to use it. Selling accounts is usually a breach of EULA and can lead to bans.

Are verbal contracts valid in esports?

While valid in theory, they are extremely risky and hard to enforce. A written contract detailing salary, prize split, and duties is essential.

Can I be banned for toxic behavior?

Yes, professional players are held to high standards. Toxic behavior in public matches can lead to fines or suspensions by the league or publisher.

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3 min

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Esports Law is a rapidly growing and unique field combining elements of traditional sports law, intellectual property, and technology law. In esports, the "stadium" is virtual, and the rules of the game are set not by a federation, but by the game Publisher. This creates a specific legal environment where the rights of players, teams, tournament organizers, and streamers need protection. With the growing popularity of esports in Georgia, legal regulation of professional contracts, prize money distribution, and intellectual property (streaming, skins) is essential. Our service helps industry players navigate the challenges of digital sports.

What Does the Esports Law Service Cover?

The service covers all parts of the esports ecosystem:

  • Player Contracts: Signing agreements with professional gamers (salary, prize pool distribution, streaming obligations, branding).
  • Tournament Organization: Obtaining a Publisher License, drafting the Rulebook, and agreeing with participants.
  • Sponsorship and Advertising: Sponsorship agreements for esports teams and tournaments (hardware, energy drinks, betting).
  • Intellectual Property: Streaming rights (Twitch, YouTube), team logo protection, and commercialization of in-game items (Skins).
  • Visas and Migration: Visa support for esports athletes traveling to international LAN events.

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

Legal problems common in esports include:

  • Unpaid Prize Money: The tournament organizer disappeared and didn't pay the winning team. The lawyer initiates dispute procedures.
  • Contract Jail: An organization keeps a player "benched" and won't release them to another team due to a high buyout fee. The lawyer looks for ways to terminate the contract.
  • Cheating and Bans: A player was banned for cheating. An appeal to the game publisher or ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission) is needed.
  • Streaming Rights: A player streamed the tournament on their channel without permission. The organizer demands damages.

Georgian Legal Framework

Esports is regulated by the "Civil Code" and the "Law on Copyright". However, the End User License Agreements (EULA) of game publishers (Valve, Riot Games, Blizzard) and tournament rules hold supreme power. The Georgian Esports Federation also operates in Georgia, and its regulations should be considered at the national level.

Process: How a Specialist Works

Lawyer involvement implies:

  1. Audit: Analyzing publisher rules for a specific game.
  2. Drafting: Preparing contracts tailored to the digital environment.
  3. Defense: Managing complaints (DMCA Takedown) on online platforms (e.g., Twitch).

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge offers lawyers who understand the gaming industry and digital law. Esports is a global business where traditional approaches often don't work. We will help ensure your digital career is genuinely protected.

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Specialists for this service

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