Discussion:
Florida
I like the idea of a particular game. I want to create a game board like the one I have seen on the web, but with artwork and imagination of my sons. I wrote to the (producer/publisher/owner/seller) of the game and asked what is the cost of just the rules to the game? I informed them of my intent to make my own version of the board upon which the game is played. The response was, "The game is copyrighted and it is illegal to make copies."
In the process of making my own board I will end up with extra copies I was going to use them as gifts. Also, I intend to buy the dice and game pieces from the producer/seller who sells the pieces separate from the board. I just want to make my own board upon which to play.
What are the rights of the owner in this case? To what boundary does copyright law pertain to game boards. You could liken the game I am considering unto yatzee. Once you know the rules the score sheets are nice to have printed, but you could easily produce your own and use the tools obtained from the original game (or extra pieces bought from somewhere else.)
Answer:
Florida
I like the idea of a particular game. I want to create a game board like the one I have seen on the web, but with artwork and imagination of my sons. I wrote to the (producer/publisher/owner/seller) of the game and asked what is the cost of just the rules to the game? I informed them of my intent to make my own version of the board upon which the game is played. The response was, "The game is copyrighted and it is illegal to make copies."
In the process of making my own board I will end up with extra copies I was going to use them as gifts. Also, I intend to buy the dice and game pieces from the producer/seller who sells the pieces separate from the board. I just want to make my own board upon which to play.
What are the rights of the owner in this case? To what boundary does copyright law pertain to game boards. You could liken the game I am considering unto yatzee. Once you know the rules the score sheets are nice to have printed, but you could easily produce your own and use the tools obtained from the original game (or extra pieces bought from somewhere else.) Copyright doesn't exclusively cover direct copying -- even if you create something completely yourself, but which draws "inspiration" from another work, that could be considered copying as well. There is no bright-line rule that tells you, on this side of the line its okay, on this side its not -- you just have to look at all of the facts of each individual case.
Further, their may be trademark issues as well that may cover things not covered by the copyrights.
However, from a practical standpoint, if all you are doing is producing a few game boards to give to friends as gifts, the chances of the copyright\trademark holder a) finding out, and b) suing your for infringement are probably very low. However, if you decide you want to try and market these games, you may very well find youself named in an infringement suit.