At Dundas Lawyers® we advise on the dynamic interactive entertainment industry. With a background managing software development projects and technology companies prior to being called to the law, our Principal is uniquely qualified to advise game publishers and developers in this niche area of law.
Why choose Dundas Lawyers®?
Having exerted Blood Sweat and Years® since April 2010 we are the team you want on your side for the long term to act as the ‘bodyguard’ for your business in game development. Some of the reasons clients choose Dundas Lawyers® include:
- our Uncommon business acumen;
- our Uncommon expertise in transactional, compliance and litigious matters;
- our Uncommon expertise in advising game developers;
- our Uncommon customer focus;
- the fact that we don’t just know law, we know business!
- how we leverage our Uncommon Nous® to provide client centric solutions.
Considering getting a lawyer to advise your business?
For a confidential, no obligation initial telephone call to find out how we can help your business gain an uncommon advantage in game development, please phone our team on either 1300 386 529 or 07 3221 0013.
Malcolm Burrows B.Bus.,MBA.,LL.B.,LL.M.,MQLS.
Legal Practice Director
T: +61 7 3221 0013 (preferred)
M: +61 419 726 535
E: mburrows@dundaslawyers.com.au
Legislation
- Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth)
- Interactive Gambling Regulations 2019 (Cth)
- National Classification Scheme
- National Classification Code
- Intergovernmental Agreement on Censorship
- Guidelines for the Classification of Computer games 2012
- Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)
- Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth)
Recent insights for game developers
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What is the US Take It Down Act?
The Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act (Take It Down Act ) is a United States (US) federal law enacted on 19 May 2025. The Take It Down Act amends 47 U.S. Code § 223 (Code) of the Communications Act 1934 (US) (Communications Act) by establishing new…
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Australian legislation tackles loot boxes in video games
The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Loot Boxes) Bill 2022 (Bill) has been tabled in the House of Representatives on the 28 November 2022. The private member’s Bill acts in response to growing support for the regulation of features and elements within video games which appear to simulate gambling.
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Digital games tax offset introduced by Albanese
The Albanese Labor Government has proposed a Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) of 30%, encouraging the growth of the digital games industry in Australia. Learn more about the DGTO and how it will create more jobs and international competitiveness.
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Legal concerns in software support agreements
Software developers must consider tech and product support services when taking software to market, such as differences between technical and product support, supported and non-supported items, and differences between installed and hosted software support agreements.
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Software licences classified as “goods” under the ACL
This Federal Court case highlights the risks of supplying goods and services to Australian consumers. Companies should be aware of their legal obligations and seek advice to ensure their contractual terms comply with Australian Consumer Law. Find out more about the case and its implications.
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Protecting brands in the modern era
Launching a new brand requires careful planning and attention to detail. From searching the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s name search database to registering a domain name to setting up social media monitoring, there are many steps to consider to ensure your brand is protected. Learn more about the complexities of launching a brand and…
Recent Federal Court decisions regarding game developers
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Aristocrat Technologies Australia PL v Light & Wonder, Inc. (No 2) [2025] FCA 64
Application for interlocutory injunction to restrain individual from using devices containing confidential information – application refused.
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Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Hawkins [2025] FCA 121
CORPORATIONS – officer’s duties under s 180(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – civil penalties – disqualification from managing corporations – where ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings against eleven members of the executive team and board of the Star Entertainment Group Ltd in respect of alleged contraventions in the course of dealings with junkets…
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Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited v Commissioner of Patents (No 3) [2024] FCA 212
PATENTS – operation of 23(2)(a) of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) – split decision of the High Court of Australia – where decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia affirmed – approach to be taken by single judge on remitter – whether Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents…
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Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents [2022] HCA 29 (17 August 2022)
Patents – Invention – Manner of manufacture – Where appellant manufactured electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) – Where appellant owned four innovation patents concerning various embodiments of EGM – Where specification described claimed invention as combination of player interface, being physical features of EGM, and game controller, being computerised components interacting with player interface to implement…
