MVV296K Interactive Entertainment Law
Lecture 2
In-Class Exercise: Legal Analysis of a Video Game Cloning Case
Instructions:
1. Form Groups:
Break into small groups of 3–4 students. Each group will represent either:
The plainti? (the original game developer claiming their game was cloned).
The defendant (the accused developer, arguing for fair use / fair dealing or no
infringement).
2. Analyse the evidence:
Watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhSbYzPJL4A
3. Prepare a legal brief supporting your side:
Address the following issues:
o IP infringement: Did the defendant unlawfully copy protectable elements of
the game (e.g., storyline, characters, mechanics)?
o Originality vs. Inspiration: How do copyright and trademark law define
"cloning" versus permissible inspiration?
4. Prepare a Short Presentation:
Each group will prepare a 2–3 minutes summary of their legal brief.