You have a First Amendment right to play Pokémon Go anywhere in public

As Pokémon Go takes over the world, players are finding themselves in a strange new place called “outside.” This has led to a few run-ins with concerned citizens who don’t understand why all these humans are standing on the sidewalk outside their homes and businesses — and sometimes are sneaking onto their property.

But no matter how hard anyone shakes their fist at you, you have every right to play Pokémon Go anywhere you want in public in the United States, according to Avvo chief legal officer Josh King. Avvo helps connect people with local lawyers, and King is responsible for the company’s entire legal-affairs business. He previously worked in legal (and some non-legal) roles at communications companies like AT&T, Clearwire, and Cellular One. He answered a number of questions we have about Pokémon Go. He pointed out that even if you’re in an area with loitering rules, you are generally protected by the First Amendment’s right to free assembly.