Emma C. Smizer
Emma C. Smizer is an associate in the Interactive Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit.
Variety included Ms. Smizer in their Dealmakers of 2023 “Up Next” list. She is also a Certified Information Privacy Professional in U.S. data privacy laws (CIPP/US).
Ms. Smizer advises clients ranging from independent video game developers to leading AAA publishers, offering legal support across a wide array of transactional matters. Her practice is dedicated to supporting clients throughout the entire game production lifecycle, from initial development through post-launch. She frequently supports clients in intellectual property licensing, advertising, co-branding, monetization, and publishing and distribution matters. In her role, Ms. Smizer also works closely with attorneys in traditional entertainment and data privacy to provide holistic legal solutions for the complex demands of the interactive entertainment industry.
Ms. Smizer earned her J.D. from LMU Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. As a law student, Ms. Smizer co-founded the Legal Name & Gender Marker Change Project, a pro bono clinic that provides legal services to the transgender and non-binary communities in the Greater Los Angeles area. During the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, she volunteered with the Small Businesses Law Student Support Program of the Berkeley Center for Law and Business, assisting small businesses seeking to access CARES Act benefits. Ms. Smizer also served as President of OUTLaw and the Entertainment and Sports Law Society.
Ms. Smizer is a member of the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel, where she serves on the Emerging Leaders Board. She is admitted to practice in California.
Areas of Expertise
Recent Recognition
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023 “Up Next”
Education
LMU Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (J.D., 2022)
-Published Epic Games v. Apple: Tech-Tying and the Future of Antitrust, Volume 41, Issue 3, of the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review
University of California, Irvine (B.A., 2017)
Contact
- P 310.508.5494
- F 424.270.0464
- esmizer@fkks.com
Events
The Games Keep Changing: Global Compliance in a Localized World
11.13.25
Emma Smizer will speak at the GamesBeat Next Conference in San Francisco, California. She joins the panel titled “The Game Keeps Changing: Global Compliance in a Localized World,” which explores the shifting landscape of policy and regulation in the gaming industry and how companies can turn compliance challenges into strategic opportunities. More details here.
Game of Phones: Protecting Kids in the Digital Realm
11.12.25
Maria Nava and Emma Smizer present a panel at the Privacy + Security Forum in Washington D.C. Titled "game of Phones: Protecting Kids in the Digital Realm", this session will explore the recent legislation aimed at protecting minors online and how these laws are reshaping monetization straetgies like ads and in-app purchases. The panel will also touch on the role of AI systems, the use of children's data in programming algorithms, and how companies are adapting to the increasing legal and public pressure to prioritize youth privacy and safety. Registration and the forum shceudle can be found here.
Chat with Emma Smizer, Esq.
10.23.25
Emma C. Smizer is speaking at a "Chat with Emma Smizer, Esq." organized by the Southwestern Video Game Law Society at Southwestern Law School.
Legal Trends and Tips for Serious Play Projects
08.13.25
Emma C. Smizer is a speaker for the session, "Legal Trends and Tips for Serious Play Projects" during the Serious Play Conference, hosted by the Video Game Bar Association in Rochester, NY. Details here.
Legal Trends and Tips for Serious Play Projects
08.13.25
Emma C. Smizer is a speaker for the session, "Legal Trends and Tips for Serious Play Projects" during the Serious Play Conference hosted by the Video Game Bar Association in Rochester, NY. Details here.
Digital Ownership and Consumer Protection in California: Implications of AB 2426
06.30.25
Zachary A. Lewis and Emma C. Smizer present a CLE webinar, “Digital Ownership and Consumer Protection in California: Implications of AB 2426,” hosted by MyLawCLE. Details here.
It’s Dangerous to Go Alone: Navigating Financial & Legal Considerations of Video Games
06.26.25
Emma C. Smizer presents the keynote, "It's Dangerous to Go Alone: Navigating Financial & Legal Considerations of Video Games" during the California Society of CPAs' 2025 Entertainment Industry Conference. Details here.
Lights, Camera, Lawsuit: Defamation in the Entertainment Industry
05.30.25
Dionne Gordon is a speaker and Emma C. Smizer moderates the CLE presentation "Lights, Camera, Lawsuit: Defamation in the Entertainment Industry" for the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel (AMEC) event in Frankfurt Kurnit's LA office. The panel looks at risks and strategies surrounding defamation, from development through litigation. Registration and details here.
Privacy and Data: Navigating Regulatory and Enforcement Challenges
04.28.25
Emma C. Smizer is moderating the Law & Policy session, "Privacy and Data: Navigating Regulatory and Enforcement Challenges" at the Digital Media Wire LA Games Conference, Law and Finance Summit, held at UCLA. With the increasing use of personal data in games and interactive entertainment, game businesses must navigate a complex and evolving regulatory landscape while balancing compliance, innovation, and player trust. The panel features legal experts, data privacy officers, and industry leaders discussing the key challenges and opportunities. Details here.
Roguelike Collaboration: The Infinite Game of Navigating Different Cultures
04.04.25
Emma C. Smizer speaks on the panel “Unscirpted: Demystifying Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry XC,” at the Games Industry Law Summit on Tour III in Rome, Italy. Details here.
Unscripted: Demystifying Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry XC
04.04.25
Dorian Slater Thomas and Emma C. Smizer co-lead the session “Unscripted: Demystifying Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry XC,” at the Games Industry Law Summit on Tour III in Rome, Italy. Details here.
Fireside Chat with SAG-AFTRA
03.19.25
Emma C. Smizer moderates a fireside chat with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, SAG-AFTRA, at Frankfurt Kurnit’s 2025 “How to Play the Game: Legal Developments in Games” CLE program at SFMOMA in San Francisco.
Transmedia Issues in Video Games, Movies and TV
03.19.25
Emma C. Smizer moderates, and Dorian Slater Thomas is a panelist in the session, “And the Award Goes to ,,, Tetris!: How Transmedia Issues Are Influencing Video Games, Movies and TV” at Frankfurt Kurnit’s 2025 “How to Play the Game: Legal Developments in Games” CLE program at SFMOMA in San Francisco.
International Conclave on Media & Entertainment Law
10.04.24
Zach Lewis and Emma C. Smizer are speakers for the International Conclave on Media & Entertainment Law at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) during a virtual panel.
The State of Play: Privacy & Gambling Consideration for Interactive Entertainment
08.20.24
Emma C. Smizer is a panelist for the session, "The State of Play: Privacy & Gambling Consideration for Interactive Entertainment" during a webinar hosted by MyLawCLE. Details here (access code: Esports&GamingCLE).
Privacy Landscape 2024
06.25.24
Emma C. Smizer is a speaker for the session "Privacy Landscape 2024," during a webinar hosted by the California Lawyers Association. Details here.
The Influencers – Representing a New Generation of Celebrity
05.20.24
Emma C. Smizer and Dorian Slater Thomas are speakers during the session, "The Influencers - Representing a New Generation of Celebrity" hosted by AMEC, Sheppard Mullin, and Frankfurt Kurnit. Register here.
On Tour II: Games Industry Law Summit 2024
04.17.24
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.
Show Me The Money: The Commodification of Celebrity
04.05.24
Michael Ling, Jordyn Milewski, and Emma C. Smizer present "Show Me The Money: The Commodification of Celebrity" during the Brooklyn Entertainment & Sports Law Society's second annual Entertainment Law Symposium.
The Next Year For Games
03.19.24
Emma C. Smizer moderates the "The Next Year For Games" panel at Frankfurt Kurnit's How to Play the Game CLE program during the 2024 Game Developer's Conference.
2023 Digital Media & Video Game Conference
11.15.23
Emma C. Smizer is a panelist during the session, “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Media, Video Games, Sports and Entertainment,“ at the 2023 Digital Media & Video Game Conference at UC Law. Details here.
2023 Esports Bar Association Annual Conference
11.05.23
Emma C. Smizer is a panelist during the session, “AI in Esports, Gaming, & Content Creation,” at the Esports Bar Association Annual Conference at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Details here.
LLS Alumni Panel
10.30.23
Emma C. Smizer participates in a Loyola Law School (LLS) Alumni Panel hosted by the LLS Entertainment and Sports Law Society. The panel discusses the state of the entertainment industry, and the practice of entertainment law.
Behind the Screen: Legal Issues in the Video Game Industry
09.21.23
Emma C. Smizer presents, "Behind the Screen: Legal Issues in the Video Game Industry" during a live webinar hosted by myLawCLE and the Federal Bar Association.
VGBA Summit 2023
05.23.23
Daniel M. Goldberg and Emma C. Smizer are speakers during the workshop, "Around the California Privacy World in 30 Min" at the Video Game Bar Association Summit in Los Angeles.
Frankfurt Kurnit’s Tech Law Summit
05.04.23
Please join us for Frankfurt Kurnit's inaugural Tech Law Summit at our offices in downtown Manhattan on Thursday, May 4, 2023. The event will be held in person only, and space is limited.
Legal Issues on the Horizon: AI, Blockchain, and Beyond
03.23.23
Zach Lewis and Emma C. Smizer co-lead the “Legal Issues on the Horizon: AI, Blockchain, and Beyond” panel during Frankfurt Kurnit’s The Legal Side of Video Games event in San Francisco.
Alykkat’s Twitch Livestream: Ask an Attorney
03.14.23
Emma C. Smizer is a speaker on Alyssa Sweetman (Alykkat’s) Twitch livestream, discussing what video game attorneys do for work. View the video here.
2022 Esports Bar Association Annual Conference
10.31.22
Emma C. Smizer moderates the Streaming & Content Creation panel at the Esports Bar Association Annual Conference. Details here.
Loyola OutLaw Alumni Panel
10.18.22
Emma C. Smizer speaks on the Loyola Outlaw Alumni Panel during the 50th Anniversary History Week for OutLaw. Register here.
PAX West 2022
09.05.22
Emma C. Smizer presents, “Crafting Contracts for Music in Games (13+)” at PAX West in Seattle.
News
Game Companies Must be Flexible to Comply with Changing Laws
11.25.25
Emma Smizer was recently featured as a panelist at GamesBeat Next 2025 and quoted in a GamesBeat article discussing global regulatory compliance and its impact on the gaming industry.
Generative AI and Copyright Legal Contributions by an American Interactive Entertainment Attorney
12.26.24
Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) published Emma C. Smizer’s article titled, “Generative AI and Copyright Legal Contributions by an American Interactive Entertainment Attorney.”
Young Lawyers (Gen Z) Are Getting Tons of New Business—the Old-Fashioned Way
05.22.24
Law.com quotes Sean F. Jefferson and Emma C. Smizer on how lawyers in their late 20s and 30s are building books of business. (Behind paywall)
Variety’s Dealmakers of 2023: Up Next
12.14.23
Variety includes Emma C. Smizer in their Dealmakers of 2023 “Up Next” list.
5 Pointers For Game Cos. Facing Calif. Kids Privacy Law
04.03.23
Rick Borden and Emma Smizer wrote the expert analysis column, “5 Pointers For Game Cos. Facing Calif. Kids Privacy Law” published in Law360.
Loot Box Litigation Lessons For Game Developers
01.19.23
Saphya Council and Emma Smizer wrote the expert analysis column, “Loot Box Litigation Lessons For Game Developers” published in Law360.