Maya Yamazaki

Partner

Co-chair, Technology, Communications, Privacy & Security Practice; Chair, Technology Practice; Leader, Video Game Group

Chair, Diversity Executive Council (DEC)

Managing legal needs from product conceptualization to launch.

Maya Yamazaki is the chair of the technology practice and the lead for the video game group. Her practice focuses on technology transactions that enable emerging technology deployment, media and gaming licensing development and distribution, and intellectual property protection.

She is well-known in the video game and digital media legal field for bringing some of the most iconic titles to market. Her clients include many of the world's most recognizable technology and entertainment brands, ranging from startups to Fortune 10 companies. Her day-to-day work includes the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of technology deals, software licenses, platform integration agreements, merchandising relationships, collaboration and marketing agreements, and digital media development and launches. She also counsels clients on a range of issues including advertising, marketing, and promotional matters.

Maya is an adept, solution-oriented counsellor, who works to balance legal risk with operational needs.

Practice Highlights

Video games and digital media

Draft and negotiate agreements for content acquisition; software, middleware, and game engine licensing; and other inbound licensing for all aspects of video game and digital media product development and launch. Also draft and negotiate distribution and publishing relationships for those products and provide business-focused product counseling prior to and post launch.

Advanced technology

Structure, draft, and negotiate technology contracts such as inbound and outbound software license agreements, joint development agreements, hosted services agreements, application development agreements, hardware procurement, services agreements, website design and hosting agreements, distribution and fulfillment agreements, agreements with University IP offices, and consulting agreements. This includes providing support in cutting edge technology issues such as AI.

Advertising and marketing

Draft and negotiate agreements related to sponsorship, promotions, collaboration, and co-marketing for leading technology companies and brands. This includes being the primary outside counsel for the consumer products teams for some of the largest video game and digital media brands.

Video Games

Digital Media

Publishing

Mergers & Acquisitions

Admitted to Practice

Washington, 2009
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2010

Education

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 2009
B.A., International Studies, University of Washington, 2005, with honors

Memberships & Affiliations

- VGBA PNW Conference Planning Committee, Video Game Bar Association, 2025
- Scholarship Review Committee, Video Game Bar Association, 2025
- Chair, Diversity Executive Council (DEC), Davis Wright Tremaine, 2021-present
- Board Member, Washington Initiative for Diversity, 2021-2023
- Board Member, Leadership Tomorrow, 2019-2022
- Scholarship Review Committee, Asian Bar Association of Washington, 2012
- Volunteer Attorney, Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (Washington C.A.S.H.)
- Japanese American Citizens League
- Alumnae Committee, Girl Scouts of Western Washington, 2012-2013
- United Way Project Lead, 2012

Professional Recognition

- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Technology Law, 2026-present
- Named as one of "500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers" by Lawdragon, 2025
- Received the "The Edward J. Davis Diversity & Mentorship Award," Davis Wright Tremaine, 2022
- Named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40," 2020
- Named one of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association's "Best Under 40," 2020
- Named one of the MCCA's "Rising Stars," 2020

Background

- Summer Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Seattle, 2008
- Global Health Policy Analyst, Families USA, 2008
- Intern, Congressional Travel Unit, Bureau of Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., 2007
- Legislative Aide, Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, Washington, D.C., 2006-2007
- International Programs Officer, U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, Washington, D.C., 2005-2006
- Congressional Fellow, Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Washington, D.C., 2005

Your search returned no results. Please try another search or remove search criteria.