Intellectual Property in Board Games (what you can and can't copy and why)

Can you copyright a board game? Can someone steal your game idea? And what does “strong IP” actually mean in tabletop gaming?

In this video, I break down intellectual property in the board game industry — in plain English — and explain how IP protects (and doesn’t protect) games, designers, and publishers.

We start with a clear overview of what intellectual property is, then explore the main types of IP that apply to board games, including:

Copyright
Design rights
Trademarks
Patents
Goodwill
Trade secrets & know-how

To make it practical, I apply all of this to a real-world example: Wingspan — one of the most successful modern board games — looking at what parts of the game are protected, what isn’t, and why.

I also explain one of the most misunderstood areas of IP law:

👉 Fair use — why creators can legally show and discuss games like Wingspan without permission, and where the limits are.

Finally, we look at:
Why game mechanics aren’t protected
What counts as a derivative work
How spin-offs like Wyrmspan and Finspan fit into IP law
Why public-domain IP (like Sherlock Holmes or Lovecraft) works differently

Whether you’re a game designer, publisher, content creator, or just a fan who loves tabletop games, understanding IP helps you respect creativity — and avoid costly mistakes.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m not an intellectual property lawyer. This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you’re planning to publish a game, speak to a qualified IP professional.

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Видео Intellectual Property in Board Games (what you can and can't copy and why) канала Toyz N The Hood