The constantly expanding digital product market includes both the creation of video games and the design and distribution of applications (apps) for mobile devices, computers, and smart devices. While each project has its own creative and technological particularities, the success of a game or app does not depend solely on innovative design or cutting-edge technology. To a large extent, the future of any digital product is determined by the correct legal framework that safeguards intellectual property, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters transparent collaboration among founders, investors, and partners. At Ratio Legal, we recognize these intricate needs and offer specialized services, covering everything from the establishment of a company or development team to the final release of the product into the market.
One of the first steps is choosing the legal structure best suited to the team’s or company’s objectives. In the technology sector, a flexible corporate setup can facilitate investment and manage ownership shares while reducing tax and legal risks. Equally crucial is drafting solid founder agreements, which outline responsibilities, equity stakes, exit terms, and procedures for onboarding new stakeholders or collaborators. This approach helps prevent future conflicts that could jeopardize the project’s growth.
Another major challenge involves the protection and commercial exploitation of intellectual property. In the case of games, it is essential to secure legal rights to the source code, the game engine, artwork, and music. Meanwhile, registering trademarks for a product’s name or logos ensures a safeguard against clones and counterfeits. For apps—often incorporating pioneering technologies and unique functionalities—protection of software code and user interfaces is vital to maintaining a competitive edge. Likewise, when integrating third-party elements or services (for instance, APIs, libraries, graphics, or music), clarity in licensing agreements is necessary to avert future legal complications.
The digital era has brought strict rules concerning the processing and collection of personal data, especially on interactive or online platforms. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is no mere formality but a prerequisite for operations, particularly when data is gathered for statistical analysis, online multiplayer services, or targeted advertising. Drafting Terms of Use and Privacy Policies that clearly communicate participation rules and data handling practices boosts user trust and shields a business from regulatory penalties and legal claims.
Monetization choices also play a key role, whether through app sales, advertising, in-app purchases, or a hybrid model. Beyond strategic planning, the right legal support is crucial for defining contractual relations with advertising partners, payment providers, and distribution platforms, ensuring seamless revenue streams while adhering to consumer protection laws. Should rights be infringed—be it intellectual property theft or unfair competition—companies and development teams must be prepared to activate legal measures or alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, to safeguard their interests.
In this complex environment, Ratio Legal stands by creators, whether they are independent teams envisioning the next hit game or established companies targeting global audiences with a groundbreaking app. Our combined expertise in technology, intellectual property, and business law allows us to comprehensively address the legal needs that arise at every stage
of developing, distributing, and commercially exploiting digital products, freeing you to focus on what truly matters: creativity, innovation, and growing your venture.
