EU Court of Justice: EU Copyright Licensing Agreement Terms of Use Must Be Transparent

• A new book analyzes the licensing agreements used by thirty popular video game companies in the EU.
• The book highlights the complexities and implications of copyright and contract law in the EU's video game industry.
• EU regulations, such as Directive 2009/24/EC (for computer programs) and the Digital Single Market (DSM) Directive (EU) 2019/790, govern copyright licensing agreements in the region.
• Understanding the terms of use in these contracts is crucial for ensuring compliance with EU regulations.
• Lawyers should be aware of the nuances of EU copyright licensing agreement terms of use to better advise their clients.

The book highlights the complexities and implications of copyright and contract law in the EU's video game industry.

A new book, 'Copyright, Contract, and Video Games: Terms of Play', has been published, analyzing the licensing agreements used by thirty popular video game companies in the EU. The book's author, Amy Thomas, examines the terms of use in these contracts, highlighting their complexities and implications for copyright and contract law in the region. Specifically, the book focuses on the EU's copyright licensing agreement terms of use, shedding light on the nuances of this often-overlooked area of law. By studying the licensing agreements used by prominent video game companies, Thomas aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key issues at play.

The EU's copyright licensing agreement terms of use are governed by various regulations and directives. While Directive 2009/24/EC specifically addresses the legal protection of computer programs, the broader framework for copyright and related rights in the digital single market, including rules on copyright licensing agreements, is primarily set out by Directive (EU) 2019/790, known as the Digital Single Market (DSM) Directive. The DSM Directive introduced new rules on copyright licensing agreements, including the requirement for transparency and fairness in these contracts. These regulatory developments have significant implications for video game companies operating in the EU, as they must ensure compliance with these laws when drafting their licensing agreements.

The complexities of copyright and contract law in the EU, particularly with regards to video game licensing agreements, have far-reaching implications for lawyers and their clients. As Amy Thomas's book highlights, understanding the terms of use in these contracts is crucial for ensuring compliance with EU regulations. Lawyers should be aware of the nuances of EU copyright licensing agreement terms of use and the potential consequences of non-compliance. By staying informed about these developments, lawyers can better advise their clients on navigating the complex landscape of video game licensing agreements in the EU.

Lawyers should be aware that this book review highlights the complexities of copyright and contract laws in the EU, particularly with regards to video game licensing agreements, which may impact their clients' compliance obligations.

Source: Original reporting via The IPKat