Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

I've come up with a "new card game" and need to know how I must protect my "idea" so no one else will be able to steal this idea. The game needs a normal 52 card deck of playing cards, plus some extra cards of my "idea" for this new game. Obviously I didn't come up with the original 52 card playing deck of cards I'm just trying to "protect" my idea for the "new" card game. I'm not sure how I would go about doing this. I'm trying to see if I would need a "patent", "trademark" or "copyright" for the rules and items that would be a part of this new card game. I would like to move forward with this & see if I can get the card game & instructions printed up before the Christmas season, so I need help right away.... Thank you very much, Constance


Asked on 8/21/09, 4:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Pavlinski Pavlinski & Elkins

Constance,

There may be several options for you to protect your game. A copyright and trademark can be processed rather quickly to protect the written rules of the game and the "trade dress" of your logos. Your game may be patentable if it is novel and non-obvious. But, there are not enough details to really give you more than information. You should discuss the idea with an IP attorney.

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Answered on 8/28/09, 7:43 pm


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