How do I copyright a cardgame I invented?

Question

My friend and I invented a cardgame that is pretty original, and now it is starting to spread. It is being played in multiple states. I was just wondering how to copyright this game, the rules, etc., or if that is even the correct course of action to take. Even if it is not advisable, I'd like to do something like it anyway, just for fun (if nothing else). As a gift to the co-creator, or just to hang on my wall. Any ideas?

It is played in several states, but only my friends and friends of friends...if that makes any sense.

Answer 1

if it is already "played in several states",
your question is akin to
Should I close my barndoor, my cows ran away?

Answer 2

You can get a copyright on a book of rules, "XXX for Dummies". You can trademark a name or gamepieces if it is unique. You can get a patent for an original "process" of gameplay, but it would have to be truly original, not obvious, and never used by other games. Of these, writing a book on how you created the game, and its rules, makes the most sense and might turn a profit.

Answer 3

Here is a link to the copyright office: http://www.copyright.gov/

Check it out first.

Now as to your card game:

If you create unique cards to play the game with, then you will have no problem copyrighting it.

If it is a game played with standard playing cards, this may not be feasible. For example: Once the game is revealed, how would it be monitored. People could play it as often as they liked as they do Hearts and other card games.

You could copyright a book on how to play it though.

Answer 4

If the rules are unique and specific to the game, I do believe you can copyright them. I think the D&D rules and system are copyrighted (or were at some point) and this is one way they secured their profits. You might want to investigate that. I do think Wyoming is correct in that your cards you are using must be unique.

Answer 5

I could be wrong, but I don't think you could patent or copyright a card game. Theres no patent on solitaire or basketball. Now if there were specefic peices or cards or a board then you could copyright the name and the rights to ditsribute.