Can you patent an idea for a game if you plan to exploit it?

Question

This is to protect myself from a company, if they choose to keep me out of the deal.

Answer 1

Without knowing further details, it's hard to know which direction to point you in -- patents or copyrights. Here's info on both:

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

I'd suggest checking out both government sites as well as a few other links I posted -- that should get you moving in the right direction.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!