Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Re: Protecting a board game

You can certainly register the copyright for the packaging, game board, cards, rules, etc. Since it is only a $30 filing fee, the best protection from a copyright standpoint might be to register each copyrightable work independently as well as one for the entire package.

Also, you can register the trademark for the name of the game. With the Federal government, you can apply to register the mark (and start the clock towards accruing rights) before you even sell any product.

Depending on a number of factors, you may also be able to obtain patent protection. That involves a more detailed analysis.

Hope that helps. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions.

Re: Protecting a board game

Probably all of the above. Google [protect board game idea].