Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!texbell!merch!cpe!hal6000!trsvax!reyn
From: reyn@trsvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sources.d
Subject: Legal Question
Message-ID: <191100007@trsvax>
Date: 5 Jul 90 22:31:00 GMT
Lines: 27
Nf-ID: #N:trsvax:191100007:000:876
Nf-From: trsvax.UUCP!reyn    Jul  5 16:31:00 1990


This seems to be in line with this groups interests, so here goes ...

Can the rules of a game be copyrighted or patented?

The rules of a game could be considered to be the algorithm by which it is
played.  Algorithms, as such, are not patentable.  Algorithms that have an
application can be considered inventions and are patentable.  Is a game a
valid application in this sense?


I've seen several computer games of late which are variants on the theme of
"match the tiles".  These games have different names and different icons,
but their rules are identical.  I've not seen one, but the same rules could
be applied to a "board game".  Are the programmers in any danger of
lawsuits based on rule infringements?







I know many will have an opinion on this topic, but I would appreciate
hearing from those who have a legal basis for their opinions.

					John Reynolds