Hi everyone, how do you copy write a game so no one can do horribl stuff like sell it or copy the idea. Can you just use a contract or some thing.
Reply Quickly. thanks.
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Hi everyone, how do you copy write a game so no one can do horribl stuff like sell it or copy the idea. Can you just use a contract or some thing.
Reply Quickly. thanks.
The moment you make the game, it's yours. Nobody can sell it without your permission, but nobody can guarantee that the idea won't be stolen.
What Ravenius said is true... see
http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl108.html
Ideas can not be copyrighted. Graphics and play can.
Someone could, and get away with it if you can't prove that you made it first.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ravenius
Getting an actual copyright protects you alot more than just saying you made it and slapping a (C) symbol on the disc.
You can also sue and claim damages with an actual copyright.
Also, ideas cannot be copyrighted.
If you have the source and don't spread it around, I can't see how anybody else can sell your game. If they do and you've got the source, it's easy to prove you made it.
The easiest thing to do is simply have proof that you have the original copy of whatever it is. I read something a while back saying that a parcel posted by Royal Mail (assuming it's the same in the US) is an official way of dating something as long as you DON'T open it. So just mail a copy on a CD to yourself and it's proof you have the original copy!
It was established in the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works that copyright is automatic, and pretty much all countries now go by this system. Prior to signing up in 1989 the US stipulated that you had to have a copyright notice, but this is no longer required (but still recommended as it makes it harder for people to claim "innocent infringement"). Of course there is a difference between having copyright and being able to prove it.
Correct. The way it works is that:Quote:
Originally Posted by nivram
1. Copyright covers copying creative works (in some places and in some cases 'fair use' is a valid defence).
2. Trademarks cover using names.
3. Patents cover non-trivial processes.
4. Trade dress covers copying a product look.
5. Protected designation of origin and other geographical indication laws cover using regional names to describe food products (in the EU).
Patents and copyright are monopolies provided by the state for a limited period in order to encourage the creation of creative works, as well as rewarding innovation and encouraging information sharing. The rest are all about company brands and not misleading consumers.
I made it a point to put "THIS GAME IS FREEWARE" in the intro of Bonesaw to make sure it didn't end up on some CD on eBay.
The copyright office website has everything you'll ever need to know and every form you'll ever need to fill out. I copyrighted a board game about a month ago. Just head to their website to find out what you need to do.
http://www.copyright.gov/
Wow, guys. Your are amazing, thanks for the help. But could you make a term and condittion like "if you sell the game you automatically agree to pay £2000" or something.
Could this be used in defence?
Not really, if someone was to infringe your copyright you would need to start legal proceedings and claim the amount that the infringement has cost your or your company.Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_Manager
You can add extras such as legal costs and compensation but I don't think you'd be legally allowed to set a figure in the license like that...
I want to register a copyright. I've read up on Copyright.gov and I understand the process now.
I have one issue:
http://www.copyright.gov/eco/help-file-types.html
Oddly, the popular .mfa format of source code could not be found on this list. ;)
So what do I do to copyright my program made in MMF2? Should I take screencaptures of the Event Editor and submit jpgs? heh
After making the game or program, make sure you keep the original files and source so you can prove that you had it first. Then if someone does copy it, you have proof that your file was created first.
Also, you can save the file on a disc and mail it to yourself before public release.
You do not copyright .mfa
You copyright the .exe
you'd be surprisedQuote:
Originally Posted by xerus
also it's kinda late seeing "this game is freeware" if you already bought it
It said on the site that you either convert it or provide a hard copy so presumably a print out of the complete Event List with your jpegs might be ok. Wouldn't really know myself though so your best bet is probably to get in touch with them and ask.Quote:
Originally Posted by Code6
No, no. I'm rather sure that's not the case. Also, if you look again at http://www.copyright.gov/eco/help-file-types.html - .exe is not on the list.Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonguy
Also, various sources online say that you submit the source code.
I'm in the process of copyrighting a program from MMF. I paid the fee in November 07 and still waiting. Print out the forms.
They will need the code from the event editor, but I believe no more than 20 pages. If you want to copyright the graphics there is a check on the form, with instructions.
You will be in for a long wait for things to happen after you submit the forms
Well, the main goal is to let people know that they got scammed if they did in fact pay for it, then they can decide their course of action.Quote:
Originally Posted by xyzzy
Quick guide:
You can copyright literary works such as essays, stories, poems.
You can trademark names such as your game's title, any hero/villain names, company name, etc.
You can patent ideas such as an algorithm, an circuit board's inner workings, a service, etc.
Of course, these terms are assuming you live in the United States. I'm unsure of other rights in other places. For example, your copyright won't hold in other countries. For example, if someone does rip you off in Thailand... you won't have to resources to protect your rights over there, however I personally don't care since sharing ideas will only expand your idea and quite possibly, expand your audience.
~Ry
So you basically can trademark a game name and only you can make a game called that, for example: warcraft is trademark of blizzard and only they can make games that have warcraft in their name.
Exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonguy
Speaking of Blizzard, they've submitted a patent for Mobile Phone Integration: http://www.blizzplanet.com/?action=news&id=2049
So all you need is to be the head of a company and some legal documents to trademark your game name, which is something not a lot of people have.
Nope, if you're in the UK all you need is a TM1 form, £200 and some patience (about 3 months worth), I've filled out a few in my time ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonguy
Copyright applies to any original work which is in a tangible form...
Funny story about this actually - I found out from a random fan of one of my games (Yokoy DM) that it had been included on a compilation CD in South America... and I had absolutely no idea about it!! Sweet as though :)
A copyright will last(In Canada, I think the US too) until 80 years after the original creators death, so that should work for most people.
I know this is an old thread but just wanted to put my $0.02 in about copyright law.
Ideas, in a way, can be legally protected. If you create a game with specifics and another person creates a game very close to yours then you can use for copyright infringement. It happens all the time with big companies. Company A creates a product/idea. New Company B wants to compete so they create a service very close to it, if not almost identical. Company A sues Company B for infringing on their intellectual rights.Quote:
Originally Posted by nivram
If you have an idea, such as something to be invented/technology, then you wouldn't file for copyright. You would file for a patent. As for images, if it's a company logo or graphic design specific to your company name, product or service, then you would file for a Trademark with the copyright office.
Difference between patent and trademark here:
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#patent
Not sure about European law, but it sounds like what is called in the U.S. as a "Poorman's Copyright." You write everything down, date it, mail it to yourself and never open it. Allegedly the unopened letter with an "official stamp" (U.S. Post Office) makes it official. The truth? It's complete B.S.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#poorman
Computer software DOES file under copyright.
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-forms.html#software
In Europe the point of sending it to yourself is just to get a date-stamp on it, not to prove copyright in any way - that way if it ever comes down to legal action and someone is claiming to have created what you have copyrighted earlier than you, you can at least prove when you created yours - which, should hopefully be earlier if you're not passing-off ;-).Quote:
Originally Posted by Kracker
To be honest, I think emailing a scan/copy of your work to yourself would have the same effect, and be easier, cheaper and possibly more reliable in an action - but don't think there's any cases for this.
For clarity, copyright applies to created works in a tangible form - so yes, ideas - as long as they are written down in some form - can be copyright. It's completely free and lasts the lifetime of the author + 70 years (not just 70 years as someone suggested), although the number of years depends on the type of work (think it can be 50 for some things).
Patents apply to specific processes and have very strict criteria for getting them granted - i.e. must have industrial application, be novel, not be obvious to someone in the profession, etc; even if they are granted they're rarely watertight, and are attacked quite often (hence why it costs so much for good patent claims drafting). They last 20 years from the priority date and cost a shed load (mainly due to the extensive searches required), but can be renewed at cost.
The whole point of a patent is that inventors get the sole right to exploit something they have created in return for making the information public on how it works.
I think emailing it to yourself would actually be better because there would be digital data with timestamps and IP addresses to verify. With postal mail it really wouldn't be that hard to steam an envelope to break up the glue, slip something in, then re-seal it. That doesn't sound like a very solid way of protecting your work. But if you're really concerned I'd just register it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Asholay
Another thing for people to keep in mind is if someone rips off your work... do you really have the means to pursue legal action? I'm not saying that you shouldn't even bother protecting your work, but just because you have copyright doesn't mean you'll stop anybody from doing anything. If the offender is in China or someplace similar... good luck pursuing any action there.
He's right, if someone really likes your work, there really is no way to stop them from copying or making a slightly changed version of your work. Just make sure you make a better piece of software then the guy who copies you an you'll be okay. :grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn
-Variant
The idea of emailing a scanned copy or using what's considered the Poor Man's Copyright, to me, is just a waste oftime. I don't know the fees in Europe, but here in the U.S. if you file it yourself the base fee is $35 USD.
To me, if something is worth going through the trouble of protecting, then I say spend the money and get it done the right way.
Everyone knows that Alexander Grahm Bell invented the telephone, right? Nope! He was the first to actually patent the creation. Another man, by the name of Antonio Meucci, actually invented the device. Unfortunately Meucci couldn't afford to file for the patent.
Copyright protects literary works, such as a story and content.
Trademark helps protect names, such as a name of a character, village, universe, etc.
While a copyright and trademark may protect you in countries such as the US and others, it doesn't protect your works in India or other countries that deal in a lot of piracy.
It's usually a good idea to do these ahead of time if you feel your project is worth the protect since it may take a few months for the filing to occur.
Companies such as Blizzard register way ahead of time, before any alpha/beta/live versions are released to the public.
Copyright will also protect your software. It can even protect character names and title of the software/game. However, to fully protect one's characters and/or logos, then yes, trademark would be the thing to do.
I can write a book with character names and a book title. Without trademarking it, if someone writes a book or creates a work (book, essay, movie, software, etc) with characteristics similar to my copyrighted work, then it can be grounds for copyright infringement.
As for copyright in other countries, it can still hold ground. The FAQ of "Is my copyright good in other countries?" For a list of the countries that support U.S. Copyright you can view that here:
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ38a.pdf
India is listed as supporting:
India · Berne (Paris) Apr. 1, 1928; Bilateral Aug. 15, 1947;
UCC Geneva Jan. 21, 1958; Phonograms Feb. 12, 1975; UCC
Paris Apr. 7, 1988; WTO Jan. 1, 1995
On that PDF you will see a decription of what the Berne agreement is. Many seem to have the delusion that countries like India, China, and so forth are some free-for-all. The issue is not whether they are a free-for-all, the issue is financial cost for trying to prosecute a person of a foreign country.
Another factor you have to look at is the economy of that country. For me, you, and possibly others, we're willing to pay good money for good software. Unfortunatley, though, what we are willing to pay and what others make is a big difference.
A perfect example is MMF2 Dev. For me, an American, the price is steep, however, I'm saving up and hope to be able to purchase it before the end of the trial. $369 for MMF2 Dev is more than some "middle class" people make in other countries each month. I talk a lot with people of other countries and it is really an eye-opener to see that what I pay for a software program is as much as a person makes a month in salary.
I'm not justifying piracy in developing countries. I'm simply saying that people are not going to spend their entire salary on a software application that costs either more at a good chunk of their monthly income.
I have come up with some ideas to help keep tabs as well as try to encourage people to purchase instead of pirate. There will always be pirates no matter how strict of a DRM system you utilize. Just don't be too strict. You may end up pushing away potential buyers and converting them to becoming pirates.
I vacationed over in India a year ago while the Amazing Race was out there. Piracy is very popular over there, especially in the Mumbai side. They have shops/merchants that carry burned CDs that have software, games, and almost every book in the world. Obvious not free but not your standard repair price either :P That's how they make money in the poorer side of the country.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kracker