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The social gaming market will pass $1 billion this year, with almost 70 million Americans expected to be playing social games such as "Farmville" and "Zuma Blitz" by 2012. While still a fraction of the overall $25 billion video game industry, the lower development costs and increased accessibility on smart phones presents a bright future for online game companies. "Based on a rising number of users and advertisers, and willingness of players to purchase virtual items that enhance the gaming experience, there is an economic model for success," says Holt Foster of the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight. But the sector is experiencing a corresponding rise in litigation, with industry giants such as Zynga facing patent infringement claims. "As we've seen with other technology sectors, there are broadly defined patents affecting the social gaming space and legal challenges are inevitable. The outcome will have a significant effect on the industry."  For more information, contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.