Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Usage of video games in a cafe copyright?

I am opening a video game cafe that will buy/sell used games and also be a full on cafe as well. Each table will have different video game systems with TV's for the patrons to play on while in the cafe or eating and socializing. I was also planning on having tournaments and a big screen TV for events. I was also wanting to have movie nights and such. My question is where does all of this fall in copyrights or business law? Can I legally do these things or no? The games in the cafe and movie nights are free, the only thing for sale in the store is food from the cafe and the actual game store part.


Asked on 8/09/04, 3:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Tonia Troutwine, Esquire - Troutwine Law Group. LLC

Re: Usage of video games in a cafe copyright?

This falls under both business and copyrights, it involves licensing issues. As the owner of the TVs, movies and games you have limited licensing rights. The product is currently licensed for your private playing etc. but may not have granted you what are called distribution rights (which is what you would be doing - "distributing the product" although you are not charging for it) or expanded licensing rights (for allowing the public to use your license). If some of the games are older you will need to see if the licensing and copyrights are still valid after so many years if not renewed they are available to the general public. However, for newer games, movies copyrights for licensing are likely still valid and you will need to contact the companies to enter into a licensing and/or distribution agreement. Even though you are not directly profiting by charging for game time etc. your cafe will be profiting indirectly from having viewing and playing of the games occurring in your cafe. You should seek the advice of legal counsel, if I can be of assistance for consultation please call 305-984-5748.

Best Regards,

Tonia

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Answered on 8/09/04, 3:30 pm


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