The World Intellectual Property Organization has published the edition “Intellectual Property and Esports”, which examines the relationship between intellectual property and the rapidly growing esports ecosystem. Intellectual property constitutes a fundamental pillar of the esports ecosystem, as it is closely linked to the creation, exploitation and commercial use of content, video games, trademarks, broadcasts and the various activities that develop around esports competitions.
As video games continue to gain popularity among audiences, creating new forms of entertainment and turning professional players into international personalities, important questions arise regarding the application and exploitation of intellectual property rights. The publication maps the key stakeholders within the esports ecosystem and presents the main elements that make up the industry. It also analyses how intellectual property affects different stakeholders in the sector, including:
- professional players,
- esports teams,
- video game publishers and producers,
- tournament organizers, and
- sponsors.
The publication provides a useful resource for gaining a better understanding of the rights and business relationships emerging in the esports sector, which is evolving particularly rapidly at the international level. As part of this initiative, WIPO has also published the “Guidelines for Esports Tournament Organizers” and the “Guidelines for Esports Players”, providing practical guidance for tournament organizers and professional players.
The Hellenic Copyright Organization (HCO) closely monitors international developments in the field of intellectual property and the new challenges arising from the growth of the digital economy, new forms of creation and entertainment, and emerging business models.
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