Creating a board game is an exciting and challenging endeavor that requires a significant investment of time and resources.
Therefore, as a game developer, it’s essential to understand the legal protections available to you, including the possibility of obtaining a patent for your game.
How do patents protect you?
Patents are legal protections granted to inventors for their unique and novel ideas. When it comes to board games, you can obtain a patent for a novel game mechanic, an innovative user interface or a unique algorithm used to generate game content.
Obtaining a game patent can provide you with several benefits, including the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using or selling the patented invention. This can be especially valuable to you as a game developer because it can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace and prevent others from copying your game’s unique features.
When are you eligible for a patent?
It’s important to note that not all games are eligible for patent protection. For your game to become eligible for a patent, it must be original and non-obvious. This means that the game cannot be an evident variation of an existing game and cannot be something that someone else could have easily thought of.
Additionally, the game must be fully and properly documented, as patent applications are complex and require significant detail about the game’s mechanics and features.
For how long can a patent protect my game?
Patents have an expiration date. The term of a patent for a game is generally 20 years from the filing date. Once the patent has expired, others can freely use the patented invention without obtaining a license from the patent holder.
Obtaining a patent for your board game can provide you with valuable legal protection for your unique and innovative ideas. However, it’s essential to understand that obtaining a patent can be a complex and time-consuming process; hence you may want to seek legal assistance.
