Markowitz Herbold is a litigation law firm that tries high-stakes business disputes for individuals, companies and state, local and regional governments, to juries, judges and arbitrators. We are known by our peers for resolving complicated and challenging cases.
The firm is based in Portland, Oregon, and our lawyers practice before state and federal trial courts in the Northwest and across the country.
We’ve earned our reputation as an “outstanding boutique firm” by delivering results: Multi-million dollar jury verdicts, successful settlements of “unresolvable” cases, and fierce defenses of difficult claims. Our courtroom savvy is widely known. Clients and even other lawyers often hire us, sometimes on the eve of trial, to take over as lead counsel or provide strategic advice.
"I helped code a game for a studio. Then they ghosted me.
No contract. No payment. What are my rights?"
Under U.S. copyright law, most video games are considered joint
works. Meaning multiple people created something that's merged
into one inseparable thing.
🧠 Think of it like co-writing a book: You can't just
yank out one author's words and say, "This part is
mine."
The story is one whole thing.
Same with a game. The code, assets, sounds... it all blends
together to form one thing.
If you contributed to the game, and there's no contract
saying otherwise, you're probably a co-owner.
✅ That means you have the legal right to distribute,
publish, or even remix the entire game — not just "your
part."
Moral of the story? No contract = shared control.
And shared control can get messy.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
