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F (347) 438 2188
gboyd@fkks.com
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S. Gregory Boyd is a partner and Co-Chair of the Interactive Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit. He is recognized in the 2023-2025 editions of Best Lawyers in America for Advertising Law and The Legal 500 has praised him for his work with media and technology companies. The National Law Journal’s 2022 Trailblazers list included him for Sports/Gaming/Entertainment Law and he is included in the 2024 New York-metro edition of Super Lawyers magazine. In 2024, Mr. Boyd was inducted into the Games Industry Law Summit’s “Hall of Fame”, an honor bestowed by his peers in recognition of his exceptional contributions to video game law.
Mr. Boyd focuses on high technology companies especially in advertising, public relations, and the video game industry. He has extensive experience negotiating and drafting all of the operational agreements for these businesses, including software (SaaS), licensing, employment, and development agreements — for video games and other digital media across all platforms.
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has certified Mr. Boyd as both a Privacy Program Manager (CIPM) and Privacy Technologist (CIPT). Mr. Boyd also creates and manages privacy programs, including privacy policies, incident response, and data classification projects.
He has experience with all legal documents associated with the ongoing operations of video game publishers, online video games, software development, social networks, branded entertainment, marketing communications, and media outlets. He has advised high technology media companies on intellectual property portfolio licensing, strategic development, acquisitions, valuation, litigation, and registration of intellectual property.
Mr. Boyd also handles a myriad of issues arising from data privacy and security for brands, agencies, and entertainment and media companies including children’s privacy, international issues, vendor auditing, and data breach management. Very few attorneys have attained IAPP CIPM and CIPT certifications, and Mr. Boyd is well-positioned to handle not only the executive aspects of privacy and data security, but also the actual design and implementation of those programs.
Mr. Boyd is co-author of Video Game Law: Everything You Need to Know About Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry (Taylor & Francis/CRC Press, Fall 2018), his second book-length discussion of the industry. He is also co-author and editor of the prior popular textbook Business and Legal Primer for Game Development (Charles River Media) and wrote the chapter, "Intellectual Property in the Video Game Industry" in Mastering the Game: Business and Legal Issues for Video Game Developers (World Intellectual Property Organization). He is a founding member and past Board member of the Video Game Bar Association and a founding member of the of the Psychedelic Bar Association and on its Intellectual Property Committee. He is a frequent speaker at international media conferences and educational institutions, and he taught a seminar on advanced topics in intellectual property for six years at New York Law School. Mr. Boyd is often quoted on technology and privacy issues in Mashable, Gamasutra, Edge-Online, CNN, Fortune, Forbes, and the New York Law Journal.
Mr. Boyd has a special interest in executive performance and well-being and is an analyst-in-training at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association of New York. Mr. Boyd is admitted to practice law in New York and is a registered patent attorney with the USPTO.
awards & recognition
New York-Metro area Super Lawyer for Interactive Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Advertising Law
Best Lawyers in America for Advertising Law
The Legal 500 for Media and Entertainment
The National Law Journal’s Trailblazers in Sports/Gaming/Entertainment Law
2015 New York-area "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine
2014 New York-area "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine
education
University of North Carolina (J.D., M.D.; Chancellor’s Scholar, honors, 2004)
-Wrote for the North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology and served on its Executive Editorial Board
NYU-Stern School of Business (M.B.A., Finance and Marketing, 2009)
East Carolina University (B.S., magna cum laude, 1996, M.S., 1998)
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Past Speaking Engagements
On Tour II: Games Industry Law Summit 2024
Gregory Boyd, Sean F. Kane, Emma C. Smizer, and Dorian Slater Thomas are speakers at the On Tour II: Games Industry Law Summit 2024 in Limassol. Details here.
April 17 2024
VGBA Summit 2023
Gregory Boyd moderates the panel, "Substance Abuse for Lawyers" during the Video Game Bar Association Summit in Los Angeles. Read more.
May 22 2023
More Than Just a Game Conference London 2023
Gregory Boyd is a panelist during the “Brand Building in the Metaverse” session at Queen Mary University of London's More Than Just a Game conference. Read more.
April 21 2023
MIT Sloan Gaming Industry Conference 2023
Gregory Boyd is a speaker on the Entrepreneurship panel at the MIT Sloan Gaming Industry Conference in Cambridge, MA.
April 7 2023
Gregory Boyd and Sean F. Kane at UCLA Law
Gregory Boyd and Sean F. Kane speak to a video game law class at UCLA Law about publishing, development and middleware agreements.
January 5 2023
Videogames and Children - An Overview of New Developments
Gregory Boyd, Daniel M. Goldberg, and the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) present a webinar covering a number of vital children’s issues to help you anticipate and adapt to a changing legal environment. Read more.
September 29 2022
GALA Webinar: Keeping Children Safe Online
Daniel M. Goldberg and S. Gregory Boyd present, “Keeping Children Safe Online: What We Can Learn From the Games Industry” during a webinar hosted by the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA). Read more.
July 26 2022
CARU Conference 2022
Gregory Boyd moderates the panel, “Potential vs Impact: Designing A.I. with Children in Mind” during the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) Conference. Read more.
May 11 2022
2021 AIPPI World Congress Online
Gregory Boyd speaks during a panel on video game copyright and design issues during the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress.
October 18 2021
Frankfurt Kurnit’s Virtual Sixth Annual Advertising Law Summit
We fill your screen with thought leaders from the FTC, NAD, SAG-AFTRA and our own ranks to tackle the most challenging legal and business issues facing advertisers today. Read more.
June 24 2021
VGBA: Mobile Madness
Gregory Boyd is a panelist during the Video Game Bar Association’s Mobile Madness webinar.
March 25 2021
Carolina Law Lunch Break: Gaming Law Discussion
Gregory Boyd speaks during a gaming law discussion sponsored by UNC School of Law.
February 26 2021
Frankfurt Kurnit’s Fifth Annual (Now “Virtual”) Advertising Law Summit
Join us on June 18th for our Fifth Annual Advertising Law Summit. This will be our first virtual version. We will fill your screen with thought leaders from the FTC and our own ranks to tackle the most challenging legal and business issues facing advertisers today. Read more.
June 18 2020
Attorney Impairment and Substance Use in the US Legal Profession
Gregory Boyd and Nicole Hyland present "Attorney Impairment and Substance Use in the US Legal Profession" a CLE for the Video Game Bar Association focusing on substance use and mental health issues among US attorneys. The presentation addresses the ethical risks that impaired lawyers may pose to themselves and the law firms that employ them, and offers support options for impaired attorneys. Friends of Frankfurt Kurnit may register here.
June 11 2020
COVID-19 Client Negotiations for PR Firms: Understanding Your Contracts and Your Leverage
Gregory Boyd and Matthew Vittone present "COVID-19 Client Negotiations for PR Firms: Understanding Your Contracts and Your Leverage" during a webinar for PROI Worldwide.
May 20 2020
ICYMI…
Candice Kersh, Gregory Boyd, Matthew Vittone, Dorian Slater Thomas and Jordyn Eisenpress present “ICYMI…” during Frankfurt Kurnit’s Fourth Annual Advertising Law Summit at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York.
June 10 2019
2019 Game Developers Conference
Gregory Boyd presents "Legal Battle Royale: Not Boring Edition” during an advocacy track talk at the 2019 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
March 22 2019
ESRB: 8 Privacy and Advertising Tips for The Games Industry in 2019
Gregory Boyd and Daniel Goldberg once again present to Entertainment Software Rating Board members on the most relevant privacy issues involving video games and online advertising. The presentation is scheduled to coincide with the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
March 21 2019
Video Games and GDPR Compliance
S. Gregory Boyd and Daniel Goldberg present to Entertainment Software Rating Board members on Video Games and GDPR Compliance in New York.
June 28 2018
Be the Change: Frankfurt Kurnit’s Third Annual Advertising Law Summit
Changes in advertising law are inevitable. The changes come from regulators and self-regulators. They come from privacy and data security czars. They come from the courts. And they come from technology providers and platforms. Read more.
June 7 2018
Marks Paneth: Cyber Security Seminar
Gregory Boyd speaks on a panel for a Cyber Security Seminar in Long Island.
June 20 2017
Working Within the Shades of Gray: Frankfurt Kurnit’s Second Annual Advertising Law Summit
Legal questions confronting in house marketing lawyers rarely elicit simple "yes" or "no" answers. (If only they did!) More often than not — to the consternation of clients working on tight deadlines — the answer is "maybe" or "it depends" or "there's a risk." How do you help your marketing clients evaluate the risks and weigh them against potential rewards? Read more.
June 8 2017
Video Game Bar Association’s Annual Conference 2017
Gregory Boyd and Sean Kane attend the Video Game Bar Association's Annual Conference at UCLA. The firm sponsors this event. Greg will present a privacy law update.
May 15 2017
Vilnius Games Law Summit 2017
Sean F. Kane and S. Gregory Boyd speak at the annual Games Law Summit in Vilnius. Frankfurt Kurnit is a sponsor of this event.
April 27 2017
More Than Just a Game III
Sean Kane and Greg Boyd present at Queen Mary University of London's "More Than Just a Game III" conference in London. Greg Boyd presents on "AR and Privacy Law in Open Spaces" and Sean Kane presents on "The Legality of Representing Real buildings in AR and VR Spaces." The firm sponsors this event.
April 7 2017
LSI Game Technology Law Conference
Greg Boyd serves as co-chair of the LSI Game Technology Law Conference in Seattle on October 13th and 14th.
October 13 2016
Greg Boyd Speaks to the Association of Corporate Counsel
Greg Boyd leads a roundtable discussion in the boardroom for members of the Association of Corporate Counsel, from 8:30 to 9:30am EST. Greg's topic is privacy and data security. The firm sponsors ACCA.
October 5 2016
Change is Good (But Only If You Know About It) - What’s Ahead for Advertising Lawyers in 2016
Advertising law is changing all the time. There are changes from regulators, self-regulators and unions. Changes from social platforms and review sites. Changes from privacy and data security czars. Changes from courts and bar committees. To clear your campaigns with confidence, you need to stay ahead of the changes. Read more.
June 8 2016
International Games Industry Law Summit
Sean F. Kane and Greg Boyd speak at the International Games Industry Law Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
April 28 2016
PSP Annual Meeting
S. Gregory Boyd speaks at the Professional & Scholarly Publishing Annual Meeting on Cyber Security in the scholarly publishing industry.
February 4 2016
Mastering the Game: Business and Legal Issues for Video Game Developers
S. Gregory Boyd and Sean F. Kane speak in Krakow, Poland at the Business and Legal Issues for Video Game Developers Conference organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
November 4 2015
Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA) Global Member Meeting
Rick Kurnit and Greg Boyd speak at the annual Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA) Global Member meeting in San Diego, which centers on topics, issues and trends identified by its C-level members as critical to their business success. This event is for SoDa members only.
July 30 2015
Legal Essentials for Startups: Intellectual Property Protection
Greg Boyd speaks on "Intellectual Property Protection" at part four of the Legal Essentials for Startups series sponsored by the New York Technology Council.
June 25 2015
VGBA Summit 2015
S. Gregory Boyd and Sean Kane moderate the panels "Advertising in Games" and "Right of Publicity and Intellectual Property" at the annual Video Game Bar Association Summit at UCLA Law School. Frankfurt Kurnit sponsors this event.
May 18 2015
Chicago Video Game Law Summit
S. Gregory Boyd speaks on recent developments in video game law at the Chicago Video Game Law Summit.
March 27 2015
Video Game Bar Association Breakfast Panel
Privacy and data security are a growing concern across all industries and the game industry is no exception. Read more.
February 11 2015
Adventures in Videogaming
S. Gregory Boyd hosts a roundtable on "Adventures in Videogaming" at the 36th Annual BAA Marketing Law Conference in Chicago.
November 7 2014
Protecting Sensitive Data in the Cloud: New Approaches to Mitigate Database Security Risk
Greg Boyd attends New York Technology Council's "Protecting Sensitive Data in the Cloud: New Approaches to Mitigate Database Security Risk". Frankfurt Kurnit proudly hosts and sponsors the event.
October 28 2014
The Legal Low Down at the Cloud Gaming USA Conference
Greg Boyd presents "The Legal Low Down", a talk on privacy, data security, and patent issues, at the Cloud Gaming USA Conference in San Francisco.
September 4 2014
SoDA Global Member Meeting
Rick Kurnit and S. Gregory Boyd speak at SoDA's Global Member Meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
July 29 2014
NYU Game Center Incubator
S. Gregory Boyd participates in the NYU Game Center Incubator workshops.
June 6 2014
Law Seminar International: Regulatory Compliance for Social Gaming
S. Gregory Boyd speaks on a panel at Law Seminar International's two-day "Regulatory Compliance for Social Gaming” conference in Las Vegas, NV.
June 5 2014
2014 ANA Advertising Law & Public Policy Conference
S. Gregory Boyd speaks on the panel, "It's All in the Game: Legal Challenges in the World of Gaming" at the 2014 ANA Advertising & Public Policy Conference.
April 23 2014
IAPP Global Privacy Summit, Washington, DC
Jeremy S. Goldman moderates and S. Gregory Boyd speaks on a panel entitled, "Advertising and Privacy: Global Perspectives from the U.S. and Europe" at the IAPP Global Privacy Summit.
March 5 2014
Social Media Week: Rules of the Road
S. Gregory Boyd, Terri Seligman, and Edward Rosenthal lead a Social Media Week panel entitled "Rules of the Road - Four Areas of Law Every Social Media Marketer Should Know." The panel also includes Ellie Boragine, JetBlue Airways Corporation, Jake Feldman, Johnson & Johnson, and Seth Rogin, Mashable.
February 18 2014
Building Video Game and Interactive Media Companies
S. Gregory Boyd leads a class for video game artists, designers, illustrators, enthusiasts, attorneys and the video game community on the key legal issues involved in building and counseling a video game or interactive media company.
February 10 2014
The 411 on Legal Issues in Advertising and Social Media
S. Gregory Boyd and Brian G. Murphy speak on recent legal developments related to native advertising, telemarketing, and collection of information on a panel for NYTECH.
January 28 2014
MIT Business in Games
S. Gregory Boyd moderates a panel on the competitive gaming industry.
March 21 2013
PLI’s Counseling Clients
S. Gregory Boyd speaks on Game Development, Publishing, and License Agreements for PLI's Counseling Clients in the Entertainment Industry.
March 4 2013
The Business of Games
S. Gregory Boyd speaks at Game On Finance's "Business of Games" panel in Toronto.
January 29 2013
Video Games for Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
S. Gregory Boyd teaches a Continuing Legal Education video game bootcamp seminar for attorneys and video game executives for the above.
November 28 2012
Columbia Law School Video Game Law Discussion
S. Gregory Boyd speaks at the Columbia Law School Video Game Law Discussion. Frankfurt Kurnit sponsors the event.
October 9 2012
Southern Interactive Entertainment & Game Expo
S. Gregory Boyd speaks at the Southern Interactive Entertainment & Game Expo on "Building Your Game Business".
October 5 2012
The New Economics of Games
S. Gregory Boyd moderates a Gotham Media Interactive Entertainment panel at Frankfurt Kurnit.
October 2 2012
news & press
Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List for 2024
Super Lawyers magazine lists 42 attorneys in its 2024 edition. Read more.
New California Law Restricts Use of Words “Purchase” & “Buy” for Licensed Digital Goods
On September 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 2426 (effective Jan. 1, 2025), a consumer protection bill that expands the scope of false advertising in California. In short, AB 2426 prohibits interactive entertainment and digital media companies from using words like “buy,” “purchase,” or any other words that indicate unrestricted ownership over digital goods. Violators may face injunctions and civil penalties imposed by California regulators or civil claims from individuals with proper standing. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2025
Best Lawyers in America recognizes 48 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2025 edition. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2024
The Legal 500 praises four of our practice groups in 2024: Advertising & Marketing, Media & Entertainment, Advertising & Marketing (Litigation), and Cyber Law (Data Privacy & Data Protection). The London-based directory spotlighted thirty of our attorneys individually. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit Supports The Strong National Museum of Play
Frankfurt Kurnit is pleased to announce that it is partnering with The Strong National Museum of Play to help support The Strong’s educational mission and its recent capital expansion showcasing new exhibits on the history, business, and law of video games. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2024
Best Lawyers in America recognizes 44 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2024 edition. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2023
The Legal 500 once again praises Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups and attorneys in the 2023 edition of their United States guide. Read more.
The National Law Journal’s Trailblazers in Sports/Gaming/Entertainment Law 2022
S. Gregory Boyd, Sean F. Kane, Frances Jensen, and Dorian Slater Thomas are named to The National Law Journal’s Trailblazers in Sports/Gaming/Entertainment Law list. View Article
Metaverse IRL: Tackling Privacy Amid the Rampant Hype and Burst of Deals
Gregory Boyd and Daniel M. Goldberg are quoted in Cybersecurity Law Report’s article, “Metaverse IRL: Tackling Privacy Amid the Rampant Hype and Burst of Deals.” Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2023
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
Ready Player One? Chambers Associate and Whistler Partners Interview Gregory Boyd on the Videogame Industry
Chambers Associate and Whistler Partners speak with Gregory Boyd about the booming videogame industry and being a videogame lawyer. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2022
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
Media Law International Praises Frankfurt Kurnit 2021
Media Law International ranks Frankfurt Kurnit as “Tier 1” in its specialist guide of global leaders in media law for 2021. The guide praises Jeffrey A. Greenbaum and S. Gregory Boyd individually. View Article
The Best Lawyers in America 2021
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
Breaking into Media and Entertainment Law – Have You Got What it Takes?
Chambers Associate interviews Gregory Boyd on being a media and entertainment lawyer. View Article
Interactive Entertainment Alert
In recent years the video game industry has been the subject of several lawsuit trends, including suits related to dance moves within video games and suits related to tattoos on persons depicted in video games. Two recent victories for game publishers have altered the risk calculus for use of third-party intellectual property. Read more.
Does Keeping Kids Offline Breach their Human Rights?
The MIT Technology Review quotes Gregory Boyd on the ban of the game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds in Gujarat, India. (Behind paywall) View Article
Frankfurt Kurnit in The Legal 500 2019
The Legal 500 praises four of our core practice groups: Marketing and Advertising; Media and Entertainment; Intellectual Property (Copyright); and Cyber Law (Data Privacy and Data Protection). The London-based directory spotlighted 18 of our attorneys individually: Gregory Boyd, Christopher Chase, Victoria Cook, Daniel M. Goldberg, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeremy Goldman, Richard Heller, Andrew Hurwitz, Sean Kane, Candice Kersh, Gavin McElroy, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal and Maura Wogan. Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, Rick Kurnit and Terri Seligman are listed as “Leading Lawyers” in Advertising and Marketing. Hannah Taylor is listed as “Next Generation Lawyer” in Marketing and Advertising.
Playing to Win: How Attorneys Can Help Video Game Clients
Law360 quotes Sean Kane on loot boxes within video games; and Gregory Boyd and Daniel Goldberg on video game privacy and data security. (Behind paywall) View Article
Get Legal Experts’ Perspective on How the Law is Impacting Game Dev at GDC!
Gamasutra mentions Gregory Boyd’s speaking engagement “Legal Battle Royale: Not Boring Edition” in their summary of the 2019 Game Developers Conference. View Article
Hateful Rhetoric and Online Platforms Foster Environments Where Hate Can Grow in the United States
Maine Campus quotes Gregory Boyd about challenges video game companies face when seeking to crack down on the recruiting of gamers from right-winged hate groups. View Article
Risky Business Just Got Riskier - DOJ Changes Stance on Internet Gambling
Last week the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made waves in the online gambling industry with an Opinion interpreting the Wire Act (18 U.S.C. § 1084). In the Opinion, DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel concluded that most sections of the Wire Act are not limited to sports-related wagers and instead prohibit the use of interstate wires for any bets or wagers. Read more.
Patent Arcade Shares Frankfurt Kurnit Alert
Patent Arcade posted Sean Kane and Gregory Boyd’s recent alert “Video Games With Advanced Communications Services Must Now Be Accessible to Players With Disabilities” to their video game blog. View Article
Video Games With Advanced Communications Services Must Now Be Accessible to Players With Disabilities
An important legal waiver recently expired and as a result, video game developers and publishers must now ensure that new and substantially upgraded games comply with the accessibility requirements of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (“CVAA”). Read more.
Hate Groups Are Using Online Games To Recruit Teens
Variety quotes Gregory Boyd about multiplayer games and in-game chatrooms that have become a place of recruiting for hate groups. View Article
Right-Wing Hate Groups Are Recruiting Video Gamers
NPR quotes Gregory Boyd about video game chat rooms that have become an opportunity of recruitment for right winged extremist groups. View Article
Right-Wing Hate Groups Are Recruiting Video Gamers
NPR’s All Things Considered featured Gregory Boyd discussing the challenges for video game companies seeking to crack down on right-wing hate group recruiting of gamers. Listen here.
Games Industry Newsletter Plugs Frankfurt Kurnit Video Game Law Book
The Games Industry Law Summit in Vilnius’ newsletter spotlights Gregory Boyd and Sean Kane’s newly published book "Video Game Law: Everything You Need to Know about Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry." View Article
Two Legal Experts On Why Battle Passes are Better Than Loot Boxes (Legally Speaking)
US Gamer writer Matt Kim interviewed Gregory Boyd and Sean Kane about their new book “Video Game Law – Everything You Need to Know about Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry” and loot boxes. View Article
Tips on Negotiating Key Legal Agreements in Games
Gamasutra published a chapter from Gregory Boyd, Sean Kane and Brian Pyne's new book -- "Video Game Law: Everything You Need to Know about Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry." The book serves as a resource for videogame entrepreneurs breaking in to the field and also for seasoned interactive entertainment executives. Gamasutra published the chapter on negotiation tactics. View Article
Yes, Downloading Nintendo ROMs Is Illegal (Even if You Own the Game)
Tom’s Hardware, an online publication focused on technology, quotes Sean Kane and Gregory Boyd about copyright violations that arise from game sharing sites. View Article
Video Game Law: Everything You Need To Know About Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry
Gregory Boyd, Sean Kane and Brian Pyne wrote Video Game Law: Everything You Need To Know About Legal and Business Issues in the Game Industry, published by Taylor & Francis/CRC Press. The book is available for pre-order on Amazon and ships August 7, 2018. It serves as a comprehensive resource not only for videogame entrepreneurs breaking in to the field, but also for seasoned interactive entertainment executives. View Article
Media Law International Praises Frankfurt Kurnit Media Practice
Media Law International ranks Frankfurt Kurnit in “Tier 2” in its specialist guide of global leaders in media law. The guide praises Jeffrey A. Greenbaum and S. Gregory Boyd individually. View Article
The Association of Corporate Counsel - Winter 2017 Newsletter
The Association of Corporate Counsel published S. Gregory Boyd, and Daniel Goldberg’s alert, Privacy Shield: Year One Updates You Need To Know, in the Focus on the New York City Chapter – Winter 2017 Newsletter. View Article
Shields On: 9th Circuit Strengthens Legal Defense for Video Game Developers
There's good news for game developers who incorporate real-world elements in their games. On October 20, 2017, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a trial court decision which found that Gran Turismo, a Sony video game, was an expressive work entitled to First Amendment protection Read more.
Privacy Shield: Year One Updates You Need To Know
This month we're celebrating Privacy Shield's first birthday with an update on everything Privacy Shield. There have been a number of developments on the Privacy Shield-front that companies certified or seeking self-certification under Privacy Shield need to know. Read more.
FTC Settles First-Ever Action Against Individual “Influencers”
The FTC is making a strong push in 2017 to ensure that social media influencers comply with the Commission's Endorsement Guide (the "FTC Guides") and recently updated FTC Guides' FAQs. Read more.
Third State Adopts Biometric Privacy Law
On June 1, 2017, Washington State joined Illinois and Texas as the third state to pass a biometric privacy law. The law, H.B. 1493, which goes into effect July 23, 2017, covers any business entity that collects biometric identifiers for commercial purposes. Read more.
Video Game Association Challenges Chicago’s Online Streaming Services Tax
One of the nation's most prominent video game associations has decided to challenge Chicago's controversial "Cloud Tax." Read more.
Code Ownership is a Trap
Greg Boyd's article, "Code Ownership is a Trap" is featured in the first issue of the Games Law Industry Journal. View Article
No Harm, No Foul: Court Dismisses Biometric Data Privacy Class Action Against NBA 2K Games
Biometric data — from, e.g., retina, face and fingerprint scans — plays a big role in the current wave of new technology services. For example, biometrics provide security features for financial and healthcare products. But companies using or thinking of using biometric data have to comply with myriad privacy and data security laws and regulations, or face potential enforcement action and litigation. Read more.
ZeniMax v. Oculus: Lessons from a $500 Million VR Case Verdict
The Oculus Rift has been one of the most anticipated technology developments in modern video game history. Now — as a result of avoidable mistakes — it is also a teaching case for lawyers advising clients in the interactive entertainment space. Here's a rundown of the case and the traps the developers fell into. Read more.
FCC Adopts Broadband Consumer Privacy Rules
On October 27, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order requiring broadband Internet service providers and all other telecommunications carriers providing telecommunications services to take greater steps to protect the privacy of their customers, including current and former subscribers and new applicants. Here's a summary of the key obligations imposed on carriers: Read more.
Latest on the FTC Data Security Front
FTC Issues Guide on How to Respond to a Data Breach, and Eleventh Circuit Questions the FTC's Interpretation of Its Section 5 Authority But Does NOT Alter the Unfairness Standard in Data Security Matters. Read more.
Are Augmented Reality Games Liable for Depictions of Buildings, Trademarks or Artwork?
S. Gregory Boyd and Sean F. Kane are featured Shoot's article, "Are Augmented Reality Games Liable for Depictions of Buildings, Trademarks or Artwork?". View Article
Are Augmented Reality Games Liable for Depictions of Buildings, Trademarks or Artwork?
In the few weeks since its release, Pokémon™ GO has dominated the interactive entertainment landscape. The augmented reality game has reportedly achieved more than 30 million downloads and lots of buzz. But as its popularity grows, so do questions about its legal implications - including the use of landmarks, buildings, monuments, and other frequented locations. Read more.
The New “Privacy Shield”: What Does it Mean for Your Company?
This week brought important news for any company that transfers across borders, or receives cross-border transfers of, consumer or employee personally identifying data (very broadly defined). Read more.
Greg Boyd in MediaPost
MediaPost quoted Greg Boyd on the FTC’s enforcement action against InMobi for illegal collection of location data including from children. View Article
National Marketers Face Class Action Suits Under New Jersey Consumer Protection Law
A surge of recent lawsuits brought under a 30 year-old New Jersey consumer protection law has national marketers and their lawyers huddling. Here's a summary of how the law works and why there's exposure for marketers everywhere. Read more.
New Online Tool Helps Mobile App Developers Manage Healthcare Compliance
Here is some news about an important new resource for mobile app developers working in the healthcare space. Read more.
Transferring Personal Data Overseas: EU - US Privacy Shield Will Create New Obligations
On February 2, 2016, EU and US authorities reached an agreement in principle on a new framework for transatlantic data transfers, dubbed the "Privacy Shield." Read more.
FTC Settles Privacy Charges Against ASUS
Computer hardware maker ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. ("ASUS") recently settled FTC charges that the company failed to take steps to secure the software on its routers, putting hundreds of thousands of consumers at risk. Read more.
Judge Says Apple Doesn’t Have to Unlock iPhone in Case Similar to San Bernardino
S. Gregory Boyd is quoted in the Wired article, "Judge Says Apple Doesn't Have to Unlock iPhone in Case Similar to San Bernardino". Further coverage is provided in the Tech Times here, Stuff.tv here, NYSE Post here, Financial Spots here, The Saint here, Techislet here, and Equilibrio Informativo here.
Apple vs. the FBI: Why the Stakes Have Never Been Higher
S. Gregory Boyd's article, "Apple vs. the FBI: Why the Stakes Have Never Been Higher" is published on Mashable. View Article
Greg Boyd in WeiserMazars 2015 Media Barometer
Greg Boyd is quoted in the WeiserMazars 2015 Media Barometer -- Cyber Security Special Edition. View Article
App Developers Pay $360,000 to Settle COPPA Charges
Two app developers recently paid a total of $360,000 to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") that they violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") Rule. The cases make clear that children's privacy online remains an FTC focus. Here's what happened. Read more.
LabMD Decision Clarifies Corporate Liability for Data Security Breaches
A recent decision in a long-running data security case is a must-read for corporate executives charged with ensuring the security of personal information. Read more.
Federal Government Announces New HIPAA Privacy Audits for Companies That Handle Healthcare Data
Here's some news for companies that have to comply with the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") has announced plans to begin auditing compliance in early 2016. Read more.
European Court of Justice Declared EU-U.S. Safe Harbor Invalid - What This Means for Your Company
In a recent landmark decision, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the "CJEU") declared the EU-U.S. safe harbor invalid. The ruling comes out of the Schrems v. Facebook case, which has become one of the most widely followed and significant global data privacy cases to date. Read more.
Greg Boyd in Cyber Defense Magazine
Greg Boyd is quoted in the September 2015 issue of Cyber Defense Magazine. View Article
Risk Management: New Patent Insurance Will Help Marketers Fight Claims from “Trolls”
In August 2015, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) announced a groundbreaking program to provide patent insurance to its members. Read more.
Thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2015
Super Lawyers listed thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2015 edition. Read more.
Federal Appeals Court Confirms FTC Can Bring “Unfairness” Claims in Data Security Breach Cases
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed this week that the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has the authority to declare companies' data security practices "unfair" under Section 5 of the FTC Act. Read more.
Enforcement of the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Mobile Guidance Will Begin on September 1st
Starting on September 1, 2015, all companies that collect and use data across sites or apps for interest-based advertising - including carriers, apps, ad networks, brands, agencies and publishers - will be required to demonstrate compliance with the Digital Advertise Alliance's Mobile Guidance on its Self-Regulatory Principles ("DAA Mobile Guidance"), which was issued in July, 2013. Read more.
FTC Recommends 10 Steps to Help Ensure Data Security
While there is no generally applicable federal law in the United States requiring all businesses to take particular steps to secure their sensitive data, the Federal Trade Commission has investigated and penalized numerous companies for failing to implement "reasonable" data security standards. Read more.
Video Games and New York Sales Tax
On June 3, 2015, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF) issued an advisory opinion that will have a big impact on New York-based interactive entertainment companies. Read more.
New EU Data Protection Law May Be Ready This Year
In January, 2012, the EU legislative bodies proposed an updated and more harmonized data protection law to replace the existing EU Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC. Read more.
Pictures on Planes
S. Gregory Boyd was interviewed by Fox 11 News on the legality of taking photos and videos while on an airplane. Click here to view the clip (skip to 1:27 to go straight to Greg's comments).
FTC Settles with Mobile Tracking Services Company for Privacy Policy Misrepresentation
Your e-commerce company probably has a privacy policy (if it doesn't, then it should). But is anyone checking to see that the company follows the policy? Companies that don't follow their own privacy policies can get into legal hot water pretty quickly. Read more.
FTC Pursues Companies for Privacy Certification Misrepresentations
The FTC recently filed complaints alleging two US businesses that claimed to be in compliance with the US-EU Safe Harbor Framework were, in fact, no longer compliant. Read more.
Data Security: Seven Steps to Help Safeguard Your Company’s Personally Identifiable Information
A day barely passes without news of a major data breach perpetrated by outsiders who gained unauthorized access to sensitive personal information and intellectual property stored on company computers. Read more.
Thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2014
Super Lawyers listed thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2014 edition. Read more.
Paying Attention: FTC Focuses on Cognitive Function Claims in a Video Game
The Federal Trade Commission has made clear in recent months that it will scrutinize claims from advertisers about products that allegedly improve cognitive function, including video game products. Read more.
The Internet of Things: Best Practices for Developers
What is the Internet of Things (the "IoT")? It's the ability of everyday objects to connect to the internet and collect and transmit data. Read more.
5 Blatant Mobile Game Rip-offs
Yahoo! Tech quoted S. Gregory Boyd on why mobile game makers might not sue potential infringers. View Article
FTC Probe of Verizon Holds Valuable Lessons in Cyber Security Protocol
Business Insurance quoted S. Gregory Boyd with regards to privacy and data security. View Article
Six Essential Steps for Data Security
Here's a holiday gift for anyone whose business depends on keeping customer or client data secure: the Frankfurt Kurnit Technology Group's list of six essential steps for data security. Read more.
FTC Closes Investigation of Verizon Router Security Citing Company’s Steps to Mitigate Consumer Harm
The FTC recently closed an investigation into whether Verizon engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices by failing to ensure that routers it shipped to customers, in connection with its DSL and FiOS services, had proper encryption security. Verizon took steps to mitigate consumer harm, and the company's efforts helped avoid regulatory sanctions. Here's what happened. Read more.
FTC Settles With Yelp and TinyCo Over Alleged COPPA Violations
Yelp, a business search and review service website, and TinyCo, a developer of gaming apps geared towards children, recently agreed to settle FTC allegations. Read more.
eCommerce Best Practice: Require Customers to Click “I Agree”
The Ninth Circuit recently affirmed what many industry players already recognized: when conducting eCommerce with consumers, the safest practice for businesses looking to enforce their website's terms is to include obvious indicia of consumer consent, possibly through use of a "clickwrap" agreement (where website users are required to affirmatively click on an "I agree" box). Read more.
California Issues Guidance for Compliance with Recent Updates to CalOPPA
Last month, the California Attorney General's Office released guidelines for businesses on how to comply with recent updates to the California Online Privacy Protection Act. Read more.
Can FTC Bring “Unfairness” Claims in Alleged Data Security Breach Cases?
That's the important question currently before a federal appeals court - a question with huge implications for advertisers and other custodians of sensitive customer data. How did the question arise? Read more.
UK Joins Investigation of eBay Data Breach: Did Company Do Enough to Protect User Data?
The International Business Times quoted S. Gregory Boyd on an alleged data security breach at eBay Inc. View Article
FTC Settles with Snapchat over Alleged Privacy and Security Violations
Snapchat Inc., developer of a popular mobile photo and video messaging app designed to bring the fabled self-destructing message to life, agreed to settle FTC allegations that it misrepresented its privacy and data security practices - including that its messages could be made to "disappear forever" seconds after viewing. Read more.
IRS Will Treat Virtual Currencies as “Property”
In Notice 2014-21 issued on March 25, 2014, the IRS announced that it will treat virtual currencies (such as Bitcoin) as "property" for U.S. federal tax purposes. Read more.
Recent Decisions Highlight Importance of Compliance with Online Behavioral Advertising Principles
The Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program has recently released a handful of decisions addressing the responsibilities of the advertiser, agency and platform when collecting consumer information for online behavioral advertising. Read more.
California Amends Its Online Privacy Protection Act
Last month California introduced two amendments to the state's privacy law, the California Online Privacy Protection Act. The amendments establish new requirements for operators of websites, online services and mobile apps that collect personal information about California residents. Read more.
EA Settles Major Right of Publicity Case with Athletes
Popular video game manufacturer Electronic Arts recently settled claims brought against the company by former college athletes over EA's use of athletes' personas in its major game series, NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball. Read more.
Drive-By Storing: Google Agrees to Pay $7 Million to Settle Street View Privacy Case
According to a recent settlement, in addition to images of the world's roads and buildings, Google's special Street View vehicles may have also collected personal information from users on unencrypted business and personal wireless networks. Read more.
HTC Settles FTC Device Security Charges
In February 2013, HTC, one of America's biggest sellers of mobile devices based on the Android, Windows Mobile, and Windows Phone operating systems, settled FTC charges that millions of its smartphones and tablets had security holes that allowed malicious applications to send text messages, record audio, and even install additional malware onto a consumer's HTC device, without users' knowledge or permission. Read more.
FTC Releases Best Practices for Mobile Privacy and Fines Mobile Service Provider $800,000
The Federal Trade Commission issued a staff report on Friday recommending ways for participants in the mobile ecosystem to improve their mobile privacy disclosures. The report includes guidance tailored for key commercial players involved in the mobile area, including platforms (such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android), app developers, certain third parties (such as ad networks and analytics companies), and trade associations. Read more.
FTC Sanctions Ad Network for History Sniffing
In December, an FTC order barred Epic Marketplace, Inc. from continuing a practice known as history sniffing. The technology employed by the company allowed them to track sensitive information including certain medical and financial information for millions of consumers. Read more.
Court Invalidates Zappos’ Browsewrap Agreement
In early 2012, Zappos, a division of Amazon, was the victim of an enormous customer data breach affecting 24 million records. Class action attorneys filed cases against the online shoe retailer citing multiple breaches of contract and privacy violations. Zappos' Terms of Use contained an arbitration provision, which may have saved the company from the plague of the class action bar, but it didn't. Read more.
A Public Privacy Fight: California Sues Delta for Failing to Include Privacy Policy in Mobile App
Delta Airlines was not first in flight but it did achieve a different first last month when the California Attorney General sued the company for alleged violations of a never-before-litigated state privacy law, the California Online Privacy Protection Act. Read more.
California Releases New Mobile App Privacy Recommendations
California's Attorney General recently released a set of official privacy recommendations for consideration by mobile app developers, mobile ad networks and related industry players. Read more.
FTC Report Faults Mobile App Makers on Privacy
On December 10th, the Federal Trade Commission issued a staff report, "Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade" -- a follow-up to an earlier staff report, "Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures Are Disappointing." The new staff report included results of a survey of children's mobile "apps" available in Apple's App Store and Google's Android Market. Read more.
Get Ready for a New Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rules
In December, the FTC released its long-awaited update to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA, originally written in 1998, covers information collected online from Children under the age of 13. The statute applies to digital applications and websites that are directed toward children or that knowingly collect personal information from children. The update contains important changes for advertisers, agencies, and other business operators. The changes go into effect on July 1, 2013. Here's a rundown of what you need to know. Read more.
FTC Bans Behavioral Targeting at Kids’ Sites
Online Media Daily quoted S. Gregory Boyd on recent FTC regulations banning the use of behavioral targeting techniques on sites directed to young children. View Article
Marketing Your Mobile App: Get it Right from the Start
The FTC recently released guidelines entitled "Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start". The guidelines provide valuable do's and don'ts for companies and individuals creating mobile applications. The guideline was divided into two sections, "Truthful Advertising" and "Privacy". Here's a rundown of what you need to know. Read more.
NYLJ Notes Greg Boyd’s Arrival to Frankfurt Kurnit
The New York Law Journal announced S. Gregory Boyd as the newest partner and chairman of Frankfurt Kurnit’s Interactive Entertainment Group. (Article behind a paywall) View Article