It's no news that the gaming industry is rising exponentially. Millions of gamers always look for the next big game to enjoy during their leisure or even to play for profit. If you design video gaming software, you may be excited to start making a profit. However, you must research thoroughly, get proper licensing, and prevent disputes after your game goes live. This article will explore some of the most common causes of software licensing disputes and how to avoid them.
Common Causes of Software Licensing Disputes
Multiple factors can lead to software licensing disputes. When these disputes occur, you may need to employ the services of Enrico Schaefer, a SaaS attorney from Traverse Legal. This article will focus on just a few of the most common causes of software licensing disputes.
A lot of technicality is involved when it comes to meeting licensing terms. If you don't meet these terms, you might have problems later. For example, you need to report your royalties accurately, and you must not exceed license usage.
Your licensing terms must be clear and straightforward otherwise, they can lead to disputes. It's also important that your software doesn't use any feature that is protected by intellectual property rights for another game. This can lead to an intellectual property infringement lawsuit.
Protecting Your Software From Licensing Disputes
Apart from clearly defining your licensing terms, there are other steps you can take to prevent licensing disputes. For starters, you need to establish a compliance plan that your software developers and marketers will follow during every stage of the project. This way, you will rest assured that everyone is following the rules. Another great way to do this is to keep the lines of communication open. Those involved in the product development should be alerted when there are changes in the licensing terms so everyone remains on the same page.
When negotiating licensing terms, ensure they align with industry standards. You can research what competitors are doing for both mobile and PC games. It is also a good idea to speak to a professional. A lawyer with experience with software licensing will be in the best position to negotiate favorable terms for you. Ensure you keep detailed records of everything from your communication to your compliance efforts and the final agreement.
Best Practices for Licensing Agreements
One of the best ways to prevent mistakes during software licensing is to use the industry-standardized templates. It is a great way to maintain consistency across the board. Even with clear terms, you still need to prepare for anything. This is where dispute resolution mechanisms come in handy. Your lawyer should help you set up a dispute resolution mechanism that allows you to resolve conflicts quickly when they arise.
Conclusion
Most software licensing disputes arise when there is a lack of clear communication and clarity when drafting the license. By solving this problem and applying all the other tips in this piece, you can avoid this problem or resolve it quickly when it happens.
