IGF 2025 Open Forum #12 Game On: Exploring IP and Resolving Disputes in Esports

The Session will focus on highlighting the important link between IP, alternative dispute resolutions and esports. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss with all the stakeholders the upcoming WIPO guide on esports and the International Games and Esports Tribunal, which was introduced this year. The discussions would cover such topics as:

- The Importance of IP in esports; Explore how intellectual property drives value in the esports ecosystem, from game development to branding, sponsorships, and content creation.

- Managing IP in esports; Discuss key strategies for safeguarding game assets, team logos, streaming content, and digital innovations through trademarks, copyrights, and contracts.

- Preparing for and Resolving Disputes;Understand common IP-related conflicts in esports, such as unauthorized use of content, contract breaches, and intellectual property disputes, and how to proactively address them through mediation and arbitration.

- Best Practices in Contracts and Transactions; Learn how well-structured agreements between players, teams, sponsors, and publishers can prevent disputes and protect rights.

The program will have a modern format, which was successfully used in previous WIPO organized sessions. The onsite and online moderators will be ensuring lively discussions and interactions. Participants onsite, as well as online, will be invited to ask questions throughout the event.