Meet Jiří
Hey, Jiří. Please, tell us a bit about yourself...
I'm 30 years old, married and father of a 1,5 year old daughter. I joined Bohemia Interactive 5 years ago. I like video games a lot so it is quite satisfying for me to work in this company. I also like books, history and football : )
Can you tell us a random fact about yourself...
I'm a big fan of sci-fi and fantasy but I've never seen any of the Star Wars movies.
What was your first positive interaction with video games, that you can remember?
It was with one of my first PC games – Operation Flashpoint. I was 12 or 13 and I was amazed at what was even possible and how open the game can be. I have spent many hours playing it and finished the campaign several times.
And your most memorable video game moment?
It was while playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein when, after the millionth attempt, I finally defeated the main boss.
What's your all-time favourite video game? And what sort of game do you like to play generally?
I really like the games from The Elder Scrolls series. Generally, I like RPG games.
What's the worst — or most memorable — bug you've come across in a video game?
The one I remember the most was in NHL 2000, when I played the season and was in the middle of it. In one of the matches my player was supposed to go to a penalty shot but at the same time he was expelled from the game. The problem was the game couldn't continue until my player did the penalty shooting – which was impossible because he was expelled. The game was stuck and it was impossible to end or restart the match. In the end I had to cancel the whole season because it was impossible to continue unless the stuck match was finished.
What's your favourite movie, TV show, and/or book?
Film: Heartbreak Ridge. That is the film from which I have learnt most of my English curse words : )
TV show: Family Guy.
Book: Catch XXII from Joseph Heller. I love black and absurd humor and this book is full of it.
And your go-to music playlist is...?
Classic Rock.
So, as a Lawyer at Bohemia Interactive, what do you do?
The range of my work is quite vast. Mostly, it is about checking and drafting contracts, preparing terms of use for our products and services, giving legal opinions on IP law issues, and resolving corporate of labor law issues.
What do you think are the most important skills / traits to have for someone in your position?
You have to be very precise. Sometimes even a tiny change in wording matters. It's also essential to keep your knowledge up to date – check new laws, new important court decisions and to stay informed because the law changes very quickly.
What do you enjoy about your job, and game development in general?
The people I work with. IT and the game industry is full of intelligent people and it is pleasure to work with them.
How does a Lawyer find his way to a game development company? (@oswinner)
Originally, I worked in a law office which provided Bohemia Interactive with legal services and it happened that I was asked by Bohemia Interactive to join them because they needed a full-time lawyer. I accepted the offer and that was how I got to the development company.
What happens when an NDA or confidentiality clause gets broken? What is the likely result? (Lucy Lauridsen)
It depends on what sort of information was unlawfully disclosed. We will definitely try to mitigate eventual damages and do everything to stop further spread of such information – which can be very difficult. And if some harm was done to us we might seek damages for such harm.
What do you think of the recent court decision allowing game developers to use brands (such as Hummer) in games without clearance or royalties? (@1stairassault)
The decision is not entirely surprising, especially with respect to previous decisions in similar cases. I think the decision is very reasonable and I totally agree with it. The truth is, if you use the trademarked names such as Hummer in your video game you don't exploit the trademark name because you are just trying to create as realistic game as possible. The problem is that this decision would be applicable only to the US legal system but not for example to Europe, where different rules apply.
Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs.
Is there anything else you're currently working on in your spare time?
I'm trying to teach my little daughter to use a potty. It's a very frustrating job.
To finish, tell us one of Jiří's Top Tips...
Never argue with a lawyer.
Our next Featured Bohemian is right around the corner, so keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest updates. But until then, feel free to learn more about working at Bohemia Interactive by checking out our Careers Page – we may just have the perfect job opening for you. Until next time...