Facebook has previously filed over 80 trademark applications on variations of its name and other terms such as “POKE”, “WALL” and “LIKE”. Facebook now seems to be attempting to claim some level of ownership/protection over the word “book” as well. In a recent revision to Facebook’s “Statement of Rights and…
On March 21, the Entertainment Software Association filed a petition seeking a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission’s recently adopted rules that would impose certain disabilities act requirements on providers of advanced communications services (ACS) — which could include video games that allow voice or text communications during game play.…
A weekly wrap up of interesting news about virtual worlds, virtual goods and other social media. The Virtual Military While much of the international system remains mired in the economic doldrums, many global military powers continue to increase defense budgets focused upon the research and development of simulation technologies.…
On Monday March 19, 2012 a bill was submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) and Frank Wolf (R-Va.) which, if passed, will require most video games to include a warning label that states: “WARNING: Exposure to violent video games has been linked to aggressive behavior.” H.R. 4204, entitled…
As a general rule, the name, image or likeness of a living person–not necessarily just a celebrity–cannot be used for commercial purpose without his/her written consent. Some jurisdictions have extended the coverage to provide additional protection to such elements as signature, voice, mannerisms or even expressions. Unauthorized use of an…
A weekly wrap up of interesting news about virtual worlds, virtual goods and other social media. Gaming is a top priority for mobile-tech makers “Gaming is now a ‘need to have’ category, not a ‘nice to have’ category for mobile devices, whether they be tablets or phones,” said PJ…
On March 7, 2012, in our San Francisco office, Pillsbury hosted a discussion with prominent industry players from Electronic Arts, Zynga, Lightspeed Venture Partners and KlickNation (acquired by EA in 2011) to discuss all aspects of the process surrounding video game company acquisitions. Topics included: how deals are sourced in…
Back in January, we reported that the SEC released a National Examination Risk Alert addressing investment adviser use of social media. Now, the SEC’s guidance could be particularly important given the “crowdfunding” legislation Congress is currently considering. Crowdfunding is a method of capital formation where groups of people pool money,…
For some time, many industry insiders have anticipated that someday Zynga would launch its own game platform. That day has come. In press release today, Zynga announced: the Zynga Platform, a new platform designed to bring players what they’ve asked for: new ways to play and more people to play…
Gametek has filed a complaint for patent infringement against a large number of game and game-related companies over a virtual goods payment patent. The patent issued based on an application originally filed September 29, 2000, and claims priority to a provisional application filed June 20, 2000. The patent issued July…