You're worried about your game concept being stolen. How can you safeguard it from competitors?

2 Copyright Law

Understanding copyright law is essential for protecting your game concept. Copyright does not protect ideas themselves but the expression of those ideas, such as written dialogue or code. To safeguard your work, ensure all game assets—artwork, music, and story—are original and documented. Once these elements are fixed in a tangible medium, they're automatically copyrighted to you, the creator. However, registering your copyright can offer additional legal benefits and serve as a public record of your claim.

3 Trademark Basics

Trademarks can be a powerful tool in protecting your game's brand identity. A trademark can cover your game's title, logo, and other distinctive features that set it apart from competitors. By registering a trademark with the appropriate government body, you gain exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with your game, which can prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark for their own games. This process can be complex, so consider consulting with a legal professional.

4 Trade Secrets

Some aspects of your game may be best protected as trade secrets. Trade secrets are practices, designs, formulas, processes, or any information that provides a business advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. To maintain a trade secret, you must take reasonable steps to keep the information confidential. This could include implementing security measures, restricting access to sensitive data, and ensuring employees understand the importance of secrecy.

5 Patent Protection

If your game includes a novel mechanic or technology, you might consider patent protection. Patents protect inventions, and obtaining one grants you the exclusive right to use and license the patented subject matter. Patenting can be a lengthy and expensive process, and not all game mechanics are eligible. It's important to weigh the benefits of patent protection against the costs and to consult with a patent attorney to navigate the complexities of patent law.

6 Online Presence

Establishing a strong online presence can also serve as a deterrent against intellectual property theft. By publicly sharing your game's progress through development blogs, social media updates, or demo releases, you're creating a timestamped record of your work. This not only builds anticipation among potential players but also publicly stakes your claim to the game concept. Be cautious, though; reveal enough to prove ownership but not so much that it enables someone to replicate your idea.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?