Feature: 'Game Law: Man's Best Friend Sometimes Bites'

Author: by Staff

Attorney Tom Buscaglia's latest 'Game Law' column sees him suggesting that "just like a kid and a dog, every game studio should have its pet lawyer to keep it safe and secure" - contributing key training tips for both canine and human sides. While retaining the services of an attorney is one that should keep any development studio safe from harm, Buscaglia says it's equally as important to keep one consistently focused on your best interests: "This month's Game Law column addresses a very touchy subject, especially for us lawyers -- the training and care of your lawyer. I am a firm believer that, just like a kid and a dog, every game studio should have its pet lawyer to keep it safe and secure. One to be your friend and companion... and when appropriate, to bark and growl at those who try to do you harm. It is also a sad but true fact that, just like with dogs, not all lawyers are well-behaved and, if not properly trained, can at times cause more harm than good. Just like any good dog, they need to be trained, disciplined and under control, or they might just bite you! Sure, lawyers get plenty of legal training in law school and in their day to day practice. But too often they don't know your desires or the games you work on as well as you do. And few understand the subtleties of our industry as much as the developers they represent. They are ingrained with a commitment to vigorously protect their client's right to the fullest extent possible. In fact, it is a core element of their ethic. Oddly enough, it is this training and commitment that can often result in serious problems for the developers they represent." You can now read the full feature, with more from Buscaglia on drafting an employee agreement that doesn't interfere with the studio's ability to get and retain talent.