Do I need to patent my game idea?

If you're wondering how to patent a game, the first thing you need to know is that you can't patent a game idea, just like you cannot copyright an idea for a book. Some gaming developers, both the computer and board games inventors, have made significant income from their inventions, but it's not necessarily the norm.

Do you patent or copyright a game?

You trademark a game name by applying to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and getting your application approved for registration. Trademarking a game name is a legal process that usually takes about 12 months. So, the sooner you start trademarking your game name, the better.

How do you patent a game idea?

Can you patent a game? Whether it is a board game or an app, you can potentially patent a game. The process to patent your game idea is simple. Preparing an application with appropriate claims and drawings, filing it, responding to amendments, etc., are usual requirements to obtain patents.

How much does it cost to patent a game idea?

A patent attorney will usually charge between $8,000 and $10,000 for a patent application, but the cost can be higher. In most cases, you should budget between $15,000 and $20,000 to complete the patenting process for your invention.

What to do if you have an idea for a game?

Can I Get a Patent on a Board Game I Invented? I Want to Protect My Board Game Invention Idea!

Is it possible to sell game ideas?

If you have been working on a game idea with a lot of potential, you may want to consider creating a pitch to sell your project. Pitching gives you an opportunity to sell the vision of your game to potential investors, team members, studios, and game journalists.

How do you pitch a game idea to a company?

Can you sell an idea to a company without a patent?

Technically, yes, you can sell an idea to a company without a patent. However, this is where we circle back to entering into an NDA contract before sharing said idea, as mentioned previously. This would be your last line of defense to protect your idea, though, unfortunately, many companies won't enter into an NDA.

How long do game patents last?

A U.S. utility patent, explained above, is generally granted for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed; however, periodic fees are required to maintain the enforceability of the patent.

What is the cheapest way to patent an idea?

The cheapest way to get "Patent Pending" status is to file a provisional patent application. All that is required is a detailed description of the invention, an informal drawing, and a synopsis of how you came up with the idea.

How do I patent a game idea in USA?

Why are games not patentable?

For something to be patentable it has to have a function, it has to do something and whilst the idea behind a game cannot be patented, if the game includes the use of objects or technical devices these may be patentable in their own right separate from the game itself.

Can just an idea be patented?

The simple answer is no—you cannot patent an idea for an invention. The invention itself has to be produced or a patent application containing the invention must be filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

What are 5 things you can copyright in a game?

The computer code or other fixed medium is considered copyrightable, and the game's presentation can be copyrighted as a literary work or dramatic work, while elements like character design, art and sound and music can also be copyrighted.

Does it cost money to copyright a game?

The initial filing of a copyright application will cost between $50 and $65 depending on the type of form, unless you file online which will then only cost you $35. There are special fees for registering a copyright application claim in a group or obtaining additional certificates of registration as well.

Can you put a patent on a game?

A patent covers an “invention,” a broad category covering both physical objects and more abstract methods. Patents definitely cover processes, and since board games are at an innermost level processes for entertainment, they are eminently patentable, so long as they meet the general requirements for patentability.

How long does it take to patent a game?

The average patent approval process takes 25.6 months. A utility patent is the term used to describe what most people think of simply as a patent and is the most common type of patent. Utility patents protect a variety of inventions from duplication by others for 20 years from the application submission.

What if my idea is already patented?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) checks your concept compared to present patents and pending patents. Your patent will probably be rejected if it is too similar to a present patent, and you will lose the application fee.

What part of a video game can be patented?

It could be anything from a new feature in a game, something that's been developed for hardware, or an original element of gameplay. Once a patent file request has been approved, others can't create or use the same feature or replicate it without the owner's permission.

How do I protect my idea without a patent?

If you determine that the invention is probably not patentable, the most effective way to protect yourself is to have prospective licensees sign a nondisclosure agreement before you reveal your invention. This document is sometimes called an "NDA" or a "confidentiality agreement," but the terms are similar.

What happens if you don't patent your idea?

If you hold a patent, you can charge a license fee when others use your product. But if you don't hold an issued patent, then you essentially have no legal ownership of your invention. While you could theoretically license and sell your invention based on your knowhow or expertise, that's a much harder sell.

What ideas Cannot be patented?

How to sell a game app idea?

How do I submit a game idea to Ubisoft?

To submit files to Ubisoft Support: • Log in to the Ubisoft Help site. Select an existing case from the My Open Cases section, or open a support case. Select the + Add files button. Choose the files you want to submit.

Is game business profitable?

The gaming industry is indeed a profitable one, and every day more and more users are downloading games. The mobile games can be played for a mere 5 minutes or can be played for hours as hardcore gaming.