Meet Take-Two's Top Lawyer

The National Law Journal offers a profile of Seth Krauss, executive VP and general counsel for Grand Theft Auto series publisher Take-Two Interactive.

Krauss, who came on board when the Strauss Zelnick team seized control of T2 in early 2007, lists his duties as:

Intellectual property (IP) concerns, First Amendment cases and securities law issues... When he joined the company, the legal department comprised exactly two in-house attorneys, neither of whom was well versed in IP law. The staff now numbers 15, including three full-time IP lawyers and several others who concentrate on licensing and development.

So, what is Krauss's take on T2's seemingly endless controversies?

In the kinetic world of interactive entertainment, the company's business leaders continually generate new challenges for the legal department. The company "creates content that I am very proud of," Krauss said.

 

Nonetheless, Take-Two has had to defend itself against those who consider this form of entertainment scary and dangerous. Krauss works with his counterparts at other game companies and other allies to meet criticism by politicians and critics "who try to politicize the video game industry."...

 

Broad questions about whether to regulate the industry are on the agendas of various legislative bodies, as well. Take-Two has engaged in lobbying in the past, and this responsibility falls under the scope of Krauss' duties.