OK, LA game laws approach rulings

June was a busy month for the Entertainment Software Association, with three legal battles erupting as a result of game-restriction laws being passed in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Louisiana. Minnesota's law was overturned in July, but the other disputes have yet to be resolved, with the wheels of justice still turning, albeit slowly.

In Louisiana, the ESA was ordered earlier this week to turn in a brief within two days, with the state being given two days after that to respond. The judge said he would rule on the ESA's request for a preliminary injunction preventing the law from being enforced "as soon as the briefs are received." Currently, the judge has a temporary restraining order keeping authorities from upholding the game-restriction law, but the preliminary injunction would be a big step to the ESA's ultimate goal of obtaining a permanent injunction in the case.

In Oklahoma, the governor and his attorney general this week filed their objections to the ESA's motion for a preliminary injunction in that case. At a scheduling conference earlier this month, the judge gave each side until August 30 to file their motions for summary judgment, with a 10-day window afforded for opposing replies.