The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) – alongside content creator Youna ‘CodeMiko’ Kang, and Odin Law and Media has filed a challenge against the US Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) requirement for companies to register their home addresses.
This is in response to Chestek PLLC v. Vidal, which says that anyone registering a trademark application has to provide their home address, something that the IGDA and co argue opens up developers and publishers to harassment and “invasion of privacy”.
“Transparency and protection of personal information are critical in the digital age,” IGDA exec director Jakin Vela said.
“The requirement to disclose domicile addresses without adequate safeguards fails to recognize the unique risks faced by creators in the digital space, like game developers who are particularly vulnerable to doxing and other forms of harassment.”
Odin Law and Media founding attorney Brandon J. Huffman added: “Ensuring that administrative bodies engage in fair notice-and-comment rulemaking is fundamental to the democratic process. This case highlights a failure to provide adequate notice or solicit meaningful input from those most impacted by the rules, particularly affecting individuals in the digital entertainment and game development sectors where privacy concerns are paramount.”