Re: Re: Re: Hasbro - Yahtzee - trademark

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hasbro - Yahtzee - trademark

Comments:
: : I have a similar question with respect to Yahtzee. Can I create and sell an electronic game based on the Yahtzee rules as long as I choose a name for my game that doesn't look, rhyme, or sound anything like Yahtzee? In the above discussion you say "the game is not trademarked only the name of the game is." If the rules of Yahtzee are not trademarked, does that mean they are not owned by Hasbro? In other words, are they copyrighted or patented? Thanks in advance for your advice. : You are treading on dangerous ground. The copyright covers a mode of expression, not the content. : Thus Easy Money can exist side my side with Monopoly. : A patent now has extended coverage and even might cover a game as a system. I take no responsibility for this without research. : You copy the game rules you are bound to be in deep trouble. You ape the game trademark you may be in trouble. : My gut say that you may be able to do what you want but the approach as you have put it looks like it could easily have difficulties. : The worst is that even if you have not infringed, if what you do is legitimately questionable, you may be sued. Even if you win the costs would be high. : Avoiding legal entanglements in advance is prudent. A study of what you want and how to do it as safely as possible would be important. It can't safely be covered by guesswork. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop (sm) : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive : : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop (sm) : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive

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