Underage Publishing
by Alexander Loren · in Torque Game Engine · 02/09/2004 (9:57 pm) · 11 replies
I have been wondering for a little while now, and I'm sure alot of other underage (under 18) developers have been wondering the same thing, how do we get publishing? Would we have to get our parents to sign all the forms and for them to be the person in charge of it all on our end, or wait untill we're 18 (in my case 2 years)? Thank you in advance for clearing this up.
About the author
#2
Most States require that you be of legal adult age to enter into a legally binding contract.
03/05/2004 (8:51 am)
Hire a family member that is at least 18 or older and give him/her authority to sign on behalf of the company.Most States require that you be of legal adult age to enter into a legally binding contract.
#3
03/24/2004 (4:57 pm)
Well I am not 18 yet and I guess I could get my dad to co-sign/sign the stuff for me if I make a game and want it published.
#4
08/19/2004 (9:06 am)
Otherwise, if you say you're over 18+, there can be serious legal isues
#5
10/09/2004 (10:00 am)
Also, you cannot own a company unless you are 18 or older, at least it is that way in the USA.
#6
Would that work legally in the US and how would I say he is the legal representative, just have him sign the contracts?
10/09/2004 (10:05 am)
I am not 18, about 3 years to go, but one of the employees is 28.Would that work legally in the US and how would I say he is the legal representative, just have him sign the contracts?
#7
10/09/2004 (10:22 am)
I would say that "just having him sign the contracts" would be a bad idea unless you really trust the dude... because technically, that would mean he would just about own everything....
#8
10/09/2004 (11:32 am)
Form an LLC with you as the controlling (or sole) stockholder. Hire/otherwise acquire someone over the age of 18 and create a limited, non-durable power of attorney which grants them the right to sign a publishing agreement (and /only/ this right) on behalf of the company. You and your parent/guardian will both need to sign this power of attorney document and it should be drafted by a competent attorney. Same goes for the articles of organization you will need to file with the secretary of state of your state to form your LLC. If you want to make your parent/legal guardian the holder of the power of attorney then you may omit the power of attorney step since the law already gives your parent/guardians the right to act on your behalf in legal matters. This is not to be construed as legal advice and may vary from state to state, I disclaim any and all responsibility for any actions taken as a result of this information.
#9
Also, I live in Ohio. And as far a I have checked things out, it is pretty close to what Kyle Goodwin said. (Law wise)
10/09/2004 (5:35 pm)
Actually, that is how I planned to do it but also give him one other legal signing right, I was just asking if it was a good idea.Also, I live in Ohio. And as far a I have checked things out, it is pretty close to what Kyle Goodwin said. (Law wise)
#10
11/04/2004 (7:17 pm)
Wait a few years, grow up, then publish :p
#11
GG as well as any other publisher has the legal right to enter into a contract with anyone they so choose. In business terms if a minor enters into a business agreement with a company, the contract is just as binding on the minor as it would be on an adult. There is however one exception. If the minor fraudulently represents themselves as being over 18+ then the company who enters into a contract with a minor is not legally bound to the terms of the contract.
Also if a minor enters into a contract with the knowledge of their parents, the contract is automatically binding on the parents as well, regardless of if they sign the contract or not.
The only time a minor may not enter into a contract without express written parental consent, is a lending contract i.e. Loans, Credit Cards etc.
Other than that a competent minor is usually treated as an adult, in matters of business law.
03/14/2005 (6:29 am)
@ Everyone...GG as well as any other publisher has the legal right to enter into a contract with anyone they so choose. In business terms if a minor enters into a business agreement with a company, the contract is just as binding on the minor as it would be on an adult. There is however one exception. If the minor fraudulently represents themselves as being over 18+ then the company who enters into a contract with a minor is not legally bound to the terms of the contract.
Also if a minor enters into a contract with the knowledge of their parents, the contract is automatically binding on the parents as well, regardless of if they sign the contract or not.
The only time a minor may not enter into a contract without express written parental consent, is a lending contract i.e. Loans, Credit Cards etc.
Other than that a competent minor is usually treated as an adult, in matters of business law.
Torque 3D Owner Chris "DiGi" Timberlake