2006-12-18 08:27:25 · 4 answers · asked by arthur g 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Board Games
Most important, I am not a lawyer. You should consult an Intellectual Property Lawyer if at all possible. If you expect to be making any real money, make it possible.
Copyright is handled through the Library of Congress (first link). You cannot copyright the game itself, but you can copyright some portions like the rules or directions.
You can also trademark logos, symbols and titles associated with your game. In some cases, you can also the patent the game (I understand these situations are very rare). I don't know about tradmarks but patents are very expensive. Both are handled through the Patent and Trademark Office (third link). Again, I suggest consulting a lawyer.
You might also ask questions of people in some small games company like looney labs (disclaimer: I know, but am not friends with, these people) how they deal with the situation (Be nice and polite. They owe you nothing and you are a potential competitor.)
Hope this helps.
2006-12-20 00:26:26 · answer #1 · answered by maxdwolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same as books. Take pictures of the board and make a few copies (2) of the instructions, it'll cost $45.00 (they just upped the fee from $30.)
The Patent and Copyright office in Washington, DC.
2006-12-18 16:30:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was under the everything you publish is automatically copyrighted.
2006-12-18 19:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by eldad9 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know.
2006-12-21 19:28:14 · answer #4 · answered by R_H_P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋