Industry Lawyers Establish Video Game Bar Association

A number of attorneys have founded the Video Game Bar Association, which aims to serve as a networking organization for lawyers whose primary practice focuses on the video game industry. The worldwide organization, which has sent invites to over 100 attorneys in North America and Europe, is the first association of its kind related to the games business. In order to become a member of the association, individuals must be admitted to practice law, have two years of experience as an attorney for the games industry, and receive recommendations from two existing members of the organization. The association says members will receive benefits including the opportunities to attend in-person networking sessions and to receive continuing legal education. "As more and more attorneys look at this growing industry as a significant part of their practices, it's only natural for an organization like this to arise," said Patrick Sweeney, head of Reed Smith's Video Game Practice and a member of the association's board. Other members of the board include Activision Blizzard's George Rose, THQ's David Anderson, and key members of the Law Offices of David Rosenbaum and Germany-based law firm Osborne Clarke.