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Legal Playbook

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Legal Playbook

Compliance with various jurisdictions’ data collection, privacy,
consumer protection, and advertising regulations can be especially
cumbersome for businesses in experiential industries like esports,
whose effectiveness hinges on personalization and tailored
appeals.

To avoid hefty fines, legal battles, and damage to their
reputation, brands must ensure that their marketing strategies
comply with local laws against misleading or deceptive advertising
claims that could lead to regulatory scrutiny. Additionally,
consumer protection laws mandate transparency and fairness in
transactions, which requires meticulous attention to detail in
promotional campaigns and product offerings.

The innovative nature of the esports industry means that new IP
challenges constantly arise. Virtual goods and skins, unique to the
digital gaming environment, represent novel IP elements that
require protection. Companies should consider engaging with an
attorney specializing in Esports and video game IP to develop
strategies that streamline the monetization of their assets while
protecting them from unauthorized use. A Web3 lawyer can apply
adaptive, comprehensive, and forward-thinking tactics that
safeguard their clients’ interests and reduce their risk
exposure:

These legal professionals can be relied on to draft smart
contracts, automate compliance responsibilities, and more. Their
understanding of blockchain technology allows them to implement
anti-counterfeiting measures, safeguarding revenue streams.

Players’ likeness and personal rights introduce another
layer of complexity. High-profile players are integral to an
esports brand, and their images, signatures, and in-game moves are
valuable IP assets.

Intellectual Property

Beyond reputation management, brands must prioritize ethical and
social responsibility. The esports audience, particularly younger
demographics, is increasingly conscious of a company’s values
and actions. Issues such as fair player treatment, diversity and
inclusion, and environmental sustainability are under the
spotlight. A strong ethical framework is crucial to building trust
and loyalty among consumers.

Effective licensing agreements are indispensable for preventing
unauthorized use and distribution, requiring detailed provisions
regarding granted rights, permitted uses, and licensee obligations.
Esports lawyers who
understand Web3 concepts can conduct due diligence on potential
partners, essential for maintaining robust quality control measures
and upholding brand integrity and reputation.

Contracts must be meticulously drafted to clarify the scope of
collaboration, geographical limitations, and financial terms,
preventing disputes and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Plotting a course through the complex network of international,
national, and local laws often require specialized legal counsel to
avoid noncompliance penalties and civil and criminal liability
exposure.

The future of esports branding lies in the hands of those who
can adeptly balance the demands of innovation, legal compliance,
and social responsibility. As the industry evolves, so must the
strategies employed to build and protect these digital-age brands,
ensuring their continued relevance and success in the
ever-expanding world of competitive gaming.

Merchandising, marketing, and sales collaborations are essential
for esports companies to monetize their brands and expand their
reach.

  • Blockchain-based IP Registration to
    create immutable creation and ownership records
  • NFT Commercialization ofin-game items, moments, or
    player cards
  • IP Asset Tokenization to facilitate
    fractional ownership, profit-sharing, or fan engagement
  • DAO Structuring to establish
    community-owned esports teams or leagues
  • Smart Contract Auditing to ensure
    they accurately reflect intended IP rights and obligations
  • Metaverse Strategies for enforcing
    rights and commercializing IP usage in virtual worlds
  • Infringement Recourse, including
    cease-and-desist letters, takedown orders, and litigation
  • Dispute Resolution through
    decentralized arbitration
  • Smart Licensing Systems that
    automatically track royalty distributions over the blockchain

Licensing and Merchandising

Copyright issues also play a significant role, particularly
concerning game streams and broadcasts. Esports companies often
rely on game footage and replays to promote themselves. Ensuring
users comply with copyright laws is essential to avoid infringement
claims. Licensing agreements with game developers and publishers
become vital as they dictate the terms for using game content for
promotional and commercial purposes.
Moreover, the digital nature of esports means that copyright
infringement can occur easily and on a large scale, making
vigilance and swift legal action necessary.

Given these myriad challenges, esports stakeholders should
consult an attorney with expertise in regulatory compliance early
in the brand-building process. Legal counsel can provide strategic
advice to ensure that all branding activities align with relevant
laws, draft and review contracts to include necessary compliance
clauses, and offer guidance on implementing robust data protection
measures. Regular consultations with an attorney can help
anticipate and mitigate potential legal issues, ensuring that the
brand not only thrives but also sustains its equity in a legally
sound manner. By integrating legal oversight into their strategic
planning, esports brands can navigate the regulatory landscape
effectively, fostering trust and loyalty among their audience while
safeguarding their business interests.

Gamma Law is a
San Francisco-based Web3 firm supporting select clients in complex
and cutting-edge business sectors. We provide our clients with the
legal counsel and representation they need to succeed in dynamic
business environments, push the boundaries of innovation, and
achieve their business objectives, both in the U.S. and
internationally.
Contact us today
to discuss your business needs.

Building and protecting a strong brand identity has emerged as a
critical factor that can make or break an esports business’s
success. As the professional video gaming industry expands at an
unprecedented pace, attracting millions of enthusiastic fans and
substantial investments, esports organizations face the challenge
of distinguishing themselves in an increasingly crowded
marketplace. The significance of branding in this context cannot be
overstated; it serves as the foundation upon which esports
companies build their identity, reputation, and marketability. A
strong brand helps a company stand out, creating a lasting
connection with its audience, fostering loyalty, and driving
engagement in a space where attention is a prized commodity.

Regulatory Compliance

As the esports industry continues to mature, the importance of
robust brand-building and protection strategies will only increase.
Organizations that anticipate and respond to changes in the legal
and regulatory structure will be well-positioned to thrive. By
combining legal insight, technological innovation, and ethical
leadership, esports brands can build resilient identities that
resonate with their audiences.

Considering the vast amount of personal data collected from fans
and players to analyze performance and create memorable
interactions, organizations must adopt robust protocols for
collecting, storing, mobilizing, and destroying information when it
is no longer needed. The General Data Protection Regulation in
Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act in the United States
mandate rigorous procedures that must be followed. Beyond these,
esports organizations must be mindful of anti-money laundering
regulations, especially when dealing with sponsorships, prize
money, financing, and merchandising initiatives. Noncompliance with
AML laws can trigger investigations that disrupt operations and
cash flow.

Esports’ public, interactive business model exposes brands
to heightened scrutiny. Online platforms amplify the reach of both
positive and negative sentiment, making reputation management
paramount. Defamatory statements by players, fans, or rival
organizations can rapidly erode brand value. Proactive measures,
such as robust media monitoring and crisis management plans, are
essential to mitigate potential damage.

By understanding and taking the initiative to control these
multifaceted legal issues, esports companies can safeguard their
brands, unlock new growth opportunities, and build brands that
stand the test of time.

Inclusion, Ethics, and Social Responsibility

IP is central to brand-building activities, shaping the
strategies and resources companies can leverage to protect their
assets. Trademarks may be the most visible IP element in esports.
Team names, logos, and slogans are critical for distinguishing
companies in a crowded market. Proper registration and enforcement
of trademarks prevent unauthorized use and protect the brand’s
identity. However, this process can be complicated by the
international nature of esports, requiring companies to secure
trademark protection in multiple jurisdictions, each with unique
legal standards and procedures.

Conclusion

The path to effective brand-building in esports is fraught with
potential legal pitfalls, particularly those dealing with
trademarks, copyrights, and publicity rights, while adapting to the
nebulous digital gaming broader set of risks. Regulatory
compliance, data privacy and security, player relations, ethical
considerations, financial management, market positioning, audience
engagement, and technological adaptation pose significant
challenges. Failure to address these issues invites potentially
costly legal disputes and reputational damage.

A Web3 lawyer specializing in esports can employ several
strategies and services to protect their clients’ intellectual
property (IP) interests and mitigate IP-related risks. Here are
some key approaches:

The proliferation of esports platforms and teams has inundated
players and audiences with choices. Given this noisy environment,
effective branding becomes the key differentiator for attracting
talent, fans, and business partners. A well-crafted brand identity
communicates a company’s values, vision, and unique selling
propositions, helping it carve out a distinct niche in the minds of
consumers. This is particularly crucial in esports, where fans
often form strong emotional connections with teams and players,
much like in traditional sports. By developing a compelling brand
narrative, esports organizations can create a sense of belonging
and community among their followers, turning casual viewers into
dedicated fans.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.

Sports

USC Women’s Volleyball Falls to Cal Poly in NCAA Second Round Bout

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LOS ANGELES – The fourth-seeded No. 14-ranked USC women’s volleyball team (25-7) fell in five sets (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7) to Cal Poly (27-7) in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament and was eliminated from the postseason at Galen Center on Friday, Dec. 5.
 
KEY PLAYERS

  • Fr. OPP Abigail Mullen led all scorers with 21.5 points earned on a match-high 17 kills (7e, 39att, .256) to go with 10 digs for her eighth double-double. She also had five blocks and two service aces.
  • Fr. S Reese Messer put up her 11th double-double with 46 assists and 11 digs. She also added six blocks (one solo) and had three kills on eight swings (.375).
  • RS So. OH London Wijay had 10 kills (3e, 38att, .184) and 12 digs for her eighth double-double (17th career).
  • RS So. MB Leah Ford had nine kills (1e) on 17 swings to hit .471 and led the team with seven blocks.
  • So. MB Mia Tvrdy played just the last three sets but finished with eight kills on 10 swings (.800) and had two blocks, two digs and a two-handed jump-set assist on a kill by Mullen.
  • Sr. MB Rylie McGinest had six kills (1e, 13att, .385) to go with one block.
  • Fr. LIB Taylor Deckert led the team with 13 digs and added six assists. Sr. LIB Gala Trubint had four digs and a service ace.
  • For the Mustangs, Emma Fredrick led with 17 kills and had 17 digs to lead all players. Kendall Beshear and Annabelle Thalken each had 12 kills. Beshear had 14 digs for the double-double and served a pair of aces. Emme Bullis put up 44 assists with 12 digs for a double-double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • The Mustangs never trailed in the opening frame to grab a 25-19 win. Both teams registered 15.0 points, but the Mustangs committed fewer unforced errors to come out on top. The Trojans had 13 kills with five from McGinest but hit just .146 with seven errors on 41 swings. Cal Poly had just 11 kills but hit .258 and had a 3-1 edge in blocks. Both teams each served an ace, but the Trojans served six errors to the Mustangs’ two in the loss.
  • The teams were tied 13 times and the lead changed hands five times before Cal Poly took a 2-0 lead with a 25-20 win in set two. Mullen had five kills to lead the Trojans, but USC totaled just 10 kills and hit .147 in the set. Both teams had three blocks apiece, but the Mustangs still hit .270 with 15 kills (5e) on 37 swings with five more kills from Beshear. 
  • USC secured a 25-20 set-three win on the second of two service aces from Dani Thomas-Nathan. Tvrdy came in and sparked the Trojans with the first kill of the frame and finished with five on just six swings. Mullen tallied six kills on 12 swings without an error and helped USC hit .326 (18k, 4e, 43att). The Trojans had four blocks to help hold the Mustangs to a .194 attack rate with 10 kills (4e) on 31 swings. USC never trailed and led by five twice before winning by five.
  • Back-to-back Mustang errors broke the eighth and final tie of the fourth and put the Trojans in front, 11-9, en route to a 25-14 win. USC continued to push and moved in front by six, 17-11, on a block by Mullen and Ford. Back-to-back kills from Mullen put USC on top by seven, 19-12, and her tool kill made it a 10-point USC lead at 23-13. Mullen and Wijay each scored four kills in the fourth as the Trojans hit .448 (14k, 1e, 29att) and had three blocks to hold Cal Poly to a .081 hitting percentage with 12 kills (9e) on 37 attacks.
  • Cal Poly broke a three-all tie in the fifth with a 6-0 run and was never threatened on the way to a 15-7 win to seal the 3-2 win. Beshear had a six-serve run that included a service ace to put the Mustangs on top by six, 10-4. The Trojans could get no closer than within five despite every effort. The Mustangs hit .316 with eight kills (2e) on 19 swings over USC’s .091 rate in the fifth with five kills (3e) on 22 attempts.

MATCH NOTES

  • USC fell to 13-6 all-time against Cal Poly. The teams met for the first time since 2012.
  • The Women of Troy fell to 15-4 at home this season and to 231-64 (.783) all-time at Galen Center, which includes a 21-5 mark in NCAA tournament matches.
  • USC goes to 131-45 (.744) all-time in the postseason with an 85-38 (.691) mark in the NCAA tournament.
  • The Trojans fell to 14-11 in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

For more information on the USC women’s volleyball team and a complete schedule and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/WVB. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow @USCWomensVolley on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram.
 



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Indiana volleyball vs Colorado NCAA tournament final score, game updates, next

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7:57 pm ET December 5, 2025

When does Indiana volleyball play next? Indiana volleyball next game, opponent in NCAA tournament

Aaron Ferguson

Details are still to come on the next weekend of the NCAA tournament. The certainties: IU is headed to Austin, Texas as UT hosts that quadrant as the No. 1 seed. The first and second rounds in Austin will finish Saturday night. No. 8-seed Penn State awaits the winner of Texas and Florida A&M in Saturday’s second round match.

7:55 pm ET December 5, 2025

Indiana volleyball celebrates Sweet 16 berth

Aaron Ferguson

Here’s how it looked as IU won its second-round match against Colorado:

7:50 pm ET December 5, 2025

Indiana volleyball highlights in win vs Colorado

Aaron Ferguson

Here’s a look inside Wilkinson Hall for IU’s win:

7:42 pm ET December 5, 2025

Indiana volleyball stats in win vs Colorado

Aaron Ferguson

The Hoosiers hit .378 for the match and had an 11-2 blocking advantage against the Buffs. The serving pressure wasn’t there like it was against Toledo, but IU played solid defensively and were able to clinch its second Sweet 16 appearance — its other was 15 years ago in 2010.

Candela Alonso-Corcelles led the way with 16 kills with just one error on 27 swings, an efficient .556. Freshman Jaidyn Jager added 15 kills (.375). The middles did plenty of work with Madi Sell having seven blocks and Victoria Gray adding four. Avry Tatum also had five blocks with eight kills. Setter Teodora Krickovic had 29 assists, eight digs and three blocks.

Colorado hit .208 for the match, led by Ana Burilovi’s 19 kills (.239) and an efficient seven on 11 swings for Cayla Payne (.545). But nine service errors did not help the Buffs, particularly with five in the first set.



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Kansas women’s volleyball vs Miami (Fl.): NCAA tournament final result

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Updated Dec. 5, 2025, 8:26 p.m. CT



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Former UH volleyball player, youth coach accused of producing child porn

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A former youth volleyball coach who played on the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team was arrested and charged with production of child pornography, allegedly with a former player.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawaii, announced Friday that Elias David, 37, of Waimanalo, was charged by criminal complaint on Dec. 3.

He was employed as a firefighter for the Department of Defense and worked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Federal Fire Station 9.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the FBI, a 17-year-old told her aunt she was having sexual intercourse with David, who was a family friend and her volleyball coach since she was 13 years old.

Court documents said the teen’s relationship began with David in 2023 after a volleyball trip to Las Vegas. She was 16 at the time.

The teen told investigators that David was providing extra training to prepare her for college. She also admitted to engaging in different types of sexual contact with David that including oral and vaginal sex, documents said.

She also said that their sexual activities occurred at the fire station where he worked, at a nearby warehouse, as well as at David’s home and vehicle, documents said.

David was arrested in July of 2024 for sexual assault in the second degree. He waived his Miranda rights and was interviewed.

During his interview with investigators, David said they “began to develop feelings for each other and ‘fell in love,’” and admitted that he and the teen engaged in a sexual relationship, documents said.

David said that the romantic phase of the relationship began around March 2023, and admitted to ordering ride share services for the teen so she could leave her house to meet him at or near his workplace, documents said.

Investigators said they found 97 graphic videos of the two of them on her phone and 78 emails referring to ride share trips and GPS location data.

David played for the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team in 2009.

If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.



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Iowa State Tops St. Thomas, Advances to Second Round

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – No. 23 Iowa State (23-7, 12-6 Big 12) won in five against St. Thomas (21-10, 11-5 Summit) in the NCAA Championship First Round Friday night. No. 5-seed ISU advances to the second round to meet the winner of No. 4-seed Minnesota vs. Fairfield tomorrow at 7 p.m.

After St. Thomas took the first 25-21, ISU answered outhitting UST .552-.143 in the second to tie up the match with a set score of 25-13. The Cyclones took the match lead after another dominant set score of 25-16, but St. Thomas would win the fourth 25-21 to extend the match to a fifth. ISU used a 7-0 run in the fifth to flip the momentum and seal the victory.

Big 12 Libero of the Year Rachel Van Gorp was her usual self and had her third-straight match with 20 or more digs, ending the night with a career-high 33. The total is the second-most in an NCAA Tournament match by a Cyclone, and most since 2012. It was also match No. 35 in a row with double-figure digs and her 50th-career match in double figures.

Iowa State had a dominant night at the service line, serving to the fourth 10-plus ace match this season, and 28th of Christy Johnson-Lynch‘s career with 12 through the night. ISU was led by Nayeli Ti’a with five aces to tie the NCAA Tournament school record, while Van Gorp had four, now the second-most in a tournament match.

Alea Goolsby had her 15th match this season with 10-plus kills, leading ISU with 15. Ti’a delivered 14 kills for her 13th match this season with 10-plus, and Lilly Wachholz (12) and Amiree Hendricks-Walker (10) made for four in double figures.

SET ONE

At 6-6, Morgan Brandt tricked St. Thomas with a setter kill while Tierney Jackson served up an ace but UST followed to again knot the score. The Tommies flipped the lead at 11-10 and took the next two as Iowa State called the first timeout. Ti’a slammed down her second kill out of the timeout, but St. Thomas kept with the lead reaching 20 first (20-17). ISU cut its deficit to one at 22-21, but the Tommies ended the first on a run of three for the set win.

SET TWO

Ti’a had a no-doubt kill to make it 1-1, while the Tommies denied ISU the lead while going up 4-2. Goolsby’s third kill tied it, and the Cyclones took their first lead at 6-5 on a block. UST flipped the advantage in its favor briefly, but ISU set out on an 11-0 run to take it right back and run ahead 18-8. A Brandt ace put the Cyclones at set point and an attack error by the Tommies sealed the set at 25-13. ISU did not have a single attack error in the frame.

SET THREE

Back-to-back aces by Ti’a brought Iowa State ahead 6-2, while Ti’a delivered another bringing the scoreboard to 9-2. Goolsby’s seventh kill at .400 capped a Cyclone run of seven on the next play, but a UST scoring run of four came soon after as the Tommies came within three (13-10). Iowa State had a run of four of their own to keep command of the lead, while the Cyclones took the match lead on Goolsby’s 10th kill at 25-16.

SET FOUR

A 4-0 scoring run took the Tommies ahead 7-3 as ISU then called an early timeout. Iowa State would go on to knot the score at 13s on yet another ace by Ti’a, while a UST attack error gave ISU its first lead of the set. That lead was not safe as the Tommies went ahead 19-15 to cause Iowa State’s final timeout of the set. The Cyclones had a late run of three, but St. Thomas pushed on to force a fifth at 25-21.

SET FIVE

Iowa State took the first point on a kill by Ti’a, but St. Thomas followed going ahead 5-2. ISU did not let up, hitting a run of four to take a 6-5 lead and cause a UST timeout. The run stretched to seven as Iowa State switched sides with the lead of 8-5, and Goolsby capped the run next with a kill. ISU would go on to win it 15-8 after a St. Thomas service error.



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Updates, highlights as Wisconsin advances with sweep vs North Carolina

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9:43 pm CT December 5, 2025

See some highlights from Wisconsin’s NCAA tournament win vs North Carolina

John Steppe

9:39 pm CT December 5, 2025

Mimi Colyer’s stats vs. North Carolina in second round of NCAA tournament

John Steppe

  • 22 kills
  • 5 attack errors
  • 42 total attacks
  • .405 hitting percentage
  • 13 digs
  • 3 blocks

9:37 pm CT December 5, 2025

Wisconsin vs. North Carolina NCAA tournament final stats comparison

John Steppe

  • Kills: Wisconsin 60, North Carolina 37
  • Hitting percentage: Wisconsin .365, North Carolina .233
  • Service aces: Wisconsin 2, North Carolina 0
  • Service errors: North Carolina 5, Wisconsin 8
  • Digs: Wisconsin 56, North Carolina 40
  • Total team blocks: North Carolina 6, Wisconsin 5

9:33 pm CT December 5, 2025

Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield comments on Badgers’ NCAA tournament win vs. North Carolina

John Steppe



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