Protection problem

[davecooper]

Bit of a quandry. I have a game I wish to market. It is not patentable and it is not suited to Design Registration. Is there any way of giving it any protection at all? Although not the same as my idea, this example would have a similar problem with protection.
The playing equipment for a fictitional game are dice, playing cards and counters. These are all common items which are obviously not protectable. What is new is the rules of the game and the way these items are used. Is the game automatically protected by copyright on the rules?

 

[bwglaw]

I cannot advise on your specific question but would recommend that you contact Philip at Crossguard [email protected] who is a long-standing member on here and frequents from time to time.

Jonathan

 

[davecooper]

Thanks for that. I must just add that I have already tried to get some professional advice but no one seems to be able to give me a definitive answer. Basically it seems that if it is something that is not going to require their services, they are not really interested.

 

[bwglaw]

I am sure you will find Philip more approachable and helpful. He has given initial advice free for some members on here. Contact him and mention UKBF and me of course

Jonathan

 

[VeryMark]

Board games with new rules can be patentable even if the playing elements are common. The design of the board, packaging and rules would be copyright. Design registration may in fact be possible but unregistered design right could apply. The name of the game would be protectable by trade mark registration.

I'd need to know more to advise more specifically.