Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Indiana
Card Game
I want to create a collectible card game. I want to use the basic rules from another card game. I am changing the terms and how certain things work and the basis of the game itself. I plan on trying to publish and sell this game. I am wondering if I will be fine legally? If not how much of the original rules need to be changed before it is considered a new property?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Card Game
Game rules are not protected by copyright as they are facts; do put them in your own words to avoid any possible allegation of infringement.
Best wishes,
LDWG
Re: Card Game
There is no special category of copyright protection for games as a whole. Copyright does not protect the idea or concept behind a game, nor does it protect the information as to how the game is to be played. Ideas, information and styles are not protected by copyright.
Note that copyright laws may protect a particular written expression of the rules. Your best option is to completely rewrite the rules in your own words.
Also be careful to avoid the use of any trademarks or trade dress associated with the original game.
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