31 Mar WATA GAMES EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY: GAMING TESTIFYING AND CONSULTING SERVICES
WATA Games expert witness testimony providers who offer trial testifying services to law firms offer thoughts on the grading and authentication service for vintage video games, and assist in matters involving rare and valuable gaming products. Leaders provide crucial testimony in cases where the authenticity, condition, or value of titles is disputed and law firms hire WATA Games expert witness providers to assist on a variety of fronts, such as the company’s dealings with auction houses, etc.
1. Fraudulent Sales and Misrepresentation
Legal disputes arise when video games are sold under fraudulent claims of authenticity or value. In such cases, a WATA Games expert witness may be called upon to verify:
Graded retro games (e.g., Super Mario Bros. for NES)
Limited edition games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda Gold Cartridge)
Sealed video games (e.g., Pokemon Red for Game Boy)
Resealed games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time sealed copies)
First-print games (e.g., Final Fantasy VII PlayStation)
2. Inheritance and Estate Disputes
In estate disputes, rare video games can be valuable assets. A WATA Games expert witness helps establish the market value of collectible items, such as:
Rare console bundles (e.g., original Nintendo Entertainment System box)
Early Sega Genesis games (e.g., Sonic the Hedgehog)
Vintage Atari 2600 cartridges
Classic Super Nintendo titles (e.g., Super Metroid)
Original Game Boy games (e.g., Tetris)
3. Intellectual Property and Trademark Cases
In cases related to intellectual property rights, WATA Games expert witnesses evaluate the authenticity of video game products to establish copyright or trademark infringement, including:
Original Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
The Legend of Zelda franchise (e.g., A Link to the Past)
Street Fighter II (arcade and console versions)
Metroid Prime (GameCube version)
Resident Evil series (e.g., original Resident Evil for PlayStation)
4. Auction Disputes and Valuation
When video games are sold at auction, disputes over valuation can arise. A WATA Games expert witness provides insights into:
Rare Pokémon games (e.g., Pokémon Yellow for Game Boy)
High-value Super Mario games (e.g., Super Mario World)
Mega Man franchise titles
Chrono Trigger (SNES)
Sealed Mega Man X for Super Nintendo
5. Theft and Recovery of Stolen Goods
In cases of stolen video game memorabilia, WATA Games expert witnesses help identify stolen items and provide evidence of their authenticity, such as:
Vintage Donkey Kong arcade cabinets
Early Final Fantasy releases (e.g., Final Fantasy VI for SNES)
Contra (NES, sealed copy)
Rare Sega Saturn games (e.g., Panzer Dragoon Saga)
Limited edition Halo games and merchandise
WATA Games expert witnesses provide input to ensure that video games, consoles, and related memorabilia are properly authenticated and valued in the courtroom.