Some time ago, Burger King announced that it was offering a mobile application allowing users to “burn” competing fast-food ads. By directing the device’s camera to a billboard, flyer or coupon showing the “right” competing logo, a smartphone user activates an augmented reality image of flames burning the competitor’s logo on the phone screen. In exchange for burning the competitor’s logo, the app generates a code entitling the user to receive a free sandwich at the Burger King chain. The launch of the app was supported by a promotional campaign, and a promotional video showing the operation of the app can be viewed online.

Continue reading “Augmented advertising: A short analysis of the use of AR in a Burger King app”

It is easy to break copyright law when using torrents. Nonetheless, if a demand for payment arrives requesting discretionary amends for harm caused by distributing, say, a film without a licence, it must be read carefully and checked whether its sender is actually the rights holder, or just someone making a living from sending such letters.

Continue reading “Copyright trolling of peer-to-peer network users”

In April of last year, we pondered the legal aspects of e-sport and stated that its status in Poland is unregulated. This situation may change with the recently published proposal to amend the Sports Act, drafted by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism.

Continue reading “Legal regulation of e-sport imminent”

The mobile game Pokémon Go became incredibly popular in just a few days, in Poland and everywhere else. The game uses a technology of augmented reality (AR). With maps and GPS, it overlays computer-generated 3D graphics and sound onto the real world as seen by a smartphone camera. To become a Pokémon trainer, the player has to put on sturdy shoes and head out for a real, live walk through the woods and around the streets.

Continue reading “Can capturing Pokémons put you on the wrong side of the law?”