IP, licensing, cybersecurity top legal concerns in thriving esports industry (INFOGRAPHIC)

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With more people turning to at-home entertainment over the past year, the esports industry is thriving. Industry executives believe esports, video gaming that’s often organized as competitions featuring professional gamers, has a promising year ahead, despite ongoing legal concerns.

Foley & Lardner and The Esports Observer surveyed hundreds of esports executives in 2020 to compile its third annual Esports Survey Report. The survey asked about growth and investment in the industry, gambling and match-fixing issues, and legal concerns.

The report found strong revenue and viewing numbers are giving executives confidence in the young industry’s future. Seventy-three percent of respondents believed the pandemic would lead to more investment and deal activity into 2021.

However, 60% of respondents believe the control that a small number of game developers have over esports is a barrier to industry growth and development because of the potential for developers to exert intellectual-property rights. IP, licensing and cybersecurity continue to be the top legal issues on the executives’ radar, continuing a trend from 2019.

View more highlights from the survey and insights from Foley’s Sports & Entertainment Group below.