5 Trends to Watch in 2023 Video Games & Esports

P. William (Bill) Stark is a leader of the Video Games and Esports Group and a Litigation shareholder. Bill advises clients in the esports and video gaming industry with respect to digital content development, distribution, regulation, entertainment, and consumption. He assists and counsels clients regarding esports regulation, training, anti-corruption, compliance, and litigation issues. Bill assists clients in understanding and navigating the complex and rapidly evolving esports legal and regulatory landscape to proactively navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise on a daily basis. Bill also advises clients regarding commercial and complex disputes. He is experienced trying cases in court and in a wide variety of arbitrations, including international commercial disputes, partnership disputes, real estate litigation, securities litigation, energy litigation, construction contracts, commercial arbitrations, labor and employment disputes and intellectual property. He represents individuals and businesses as both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, as well as in national and international bodies, such as the American Arbitration Association, the ICC Court of Arbitration, and the London Court of International Arbitration. Concentrations Video games and esports Commercial and complex litigation Business disputes Construction litigation Fiduciary litigation International dispute resolution Labor and employment Real estate litigation

Steven V. Walkowiak is a Co-Chair of the Video Games and Esports Group and a Litigation shareholder. Steve advises clients in the esports and video gaming space, both with respect to regulatory matters and privacy issues raised in this emerging and evolving market. He is involved in esports regulation and advises clients regarding video game disciplinary decisions, league training, employment, and anti-corruption policies. He has served as a consultant and esports legal advisor, working with parties throughout sports, media, and entertainment to navigate the complex and evolving esports legal landscape in issues as diverse as antitrust and employment, through media content licensing and intellectual property. He is also a member of both the Esports Bar Association and Video Game Bar Association. Steve additionally represents a wide range of businesses and individuals from trial through appeal. He focuses on complex commercial litigation, product liability, and consumer fraud litigation representing clients in both state and federal court, and before FINRA arbitration panels. Steve has defended numerous medical device and industrial product claims as well as defended against class certification on behalf of numerous products. Steve has advised on various oil and gas matters. This includes the acquisition and development of a major, urban gas pipeline through Dallas/Ft. Worth, including the acquisition through eminent domain and condemnation proceedings land necessary to complete the development project. In addition, Steve routinely assists in defending antitrust and complex business litigation disputes, and has deep experience with respect to franchise terminations, franchise litigation, and securing emergency relief for franchisors. He has sought and obtained emergency orders on behalf of franchisors in both state and federal courts in order to protect the franchisor’s brand, and secure smooth reacquisition of products and premises. Furthermore, Steve advises clients on critical issues pertaining to attorney-client privilege, with an emphasis on cross border privacy and privilege ramifications in the litigation and compliance spheres. He has been involved in international Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) internal investigations on behalf of clients, and developed compliance and privacy strategies for clients facing unique compliance and regulatory challenges. Steve advises clients with respect to eDiscovery and eRetention policies, and counsels clients relating to best practices with respect to electronic document retention and security, and electronic discovery. Concentrations Commercial litigation Fiduciary litigation regarding officers and directors Litigation involving partners and shareholders Esports and esports Regulation Compliance Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Internal compliance and privacy review Intellectual property Represented business in trademark and trade dress litigation Product liability litigation and counseling Securities and shareholder litigation Financial services litigation Franchise litigation