Progress and Pitfalls in Intellectual Property Protection for Video Games in China

Wednesday, February 24, 2010, Noon EST / 9 a.m. PST.

While 2009 was a down year for the video game industry, most experts expect a rebound in 2010. In fact, according to a Feb. 4 report, 95% of the Chinese video game industry expects “robust growth” in 2010. In that same report, 81% of those surveyed expect sales to increase by 10% or more.

There is great potential for reward in China and many overseas markets for the video game industry. There’s even greater potential for risk. This is true for any other international corporation as well.

What are best practices you can incorporate now to do business in China? How do you protect your intellectual property and guard against knock-offs? How do you find Chinese suppliers, sales agents and other partners you can trust?

Shift Worldwide brings together noted authorities and pioneers in IP law, the video game industry and business development in China for a 90-minute, cutting-edge vPanel discussion on protecting intellectual property in foreign markets.

Range of Topics:

• Expectations for the future of the video game industry in China
• What U.S. video game companies are doing now to protect their software and other confidential information in overseas markets
• Detailed and general steps companies can take to protect their intellectual property in China and throughout the global marketplace – no matter what industry they are in

Our Distinguished vPanelists:

• Shawn Foust, Associate & Leader of Video Game Industry Group, Sheppard Mullin, Santa Monica, CA
  • Shawn started Sheppard Mullin’s Video Game Industry Group, and is a sought-after expert on video gaming protection and the law. His articles have appeared in leading game industry media and business publications, and have been either a speaker or moderator related to video game protection.
• Lisa Cosmas Hanson, Managing Partner and Founder, Niko Partners, San Jose, CA
  • Lisa is a sought-after speaker on global technology markets, and has given presentations to audiences ranging from 5-500 people. She has 16 years experience in international business management, including as an Asian and Chinese market research analyst, Asian and China market entry consultant, Japan equities analyst, and US-Japan economic analyst.
• Sumeet Maniar, Vice President of Global Market Development, K2 Network / Gamersfirst.com, Los Angeles, CA
  • Sumeet has more than 14 years experience in multiplayer gaming operations in the US, India, and Korea. He has been successful in establishing and creating companies, with heavy operational experience in the publishing side of multiplayer titles, customer service, and technology management.
• Glenn Manishin, Partner at Duane Morris LLP, Washington D.C.
  • Glenn has participated in nearly every important regulatory, judicial and legislative proceeding affecting telecommunications and the Internet for the past 20 years. His career focus has been to find efficient ways for computer, communications, Internet and software companies to navigate the labyrinth of legal and regulatory barriers impacting innovation.

vModerator:

• Paul Trout, CEO, Shift Worldwide, Chicago, IL

Who Should Attend

• Video game presidents and CEOs, software developers, sales and business development managers, legal counsel and marketers
• Export / Import agents
• Global heads of business development in all markets and industries
• Attorneys and law firms counseling global firms, and those practicing intellectual property, patent law, copyright law and related areas
• MBA professors and students studying international business

Schedule (all times in EST):

• 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Log on to vPanel (link is provided once you register)
• 12:00 – 12:05 p.m.: Introduction of vPanelists
• 12:05 – 1:00 p.m.: vPanel Discussion
• 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.: Interactive Q&A session

You do not need a web cam to participate in the vPanel.

Questions?