The document provides 5 tips for protecting video game intellectual property: 1. Copyright protects a game and its elements automatically for a long time without needing to be registered. It prevents others from copying the work without permission. 2. Contracts should make clear who owns any intellectual property created by employees or contractors to avoid common ownership issues. 3. Clearance checks are recommended to identify any potential conflicts with existing third party intellectual property before release. 4. Trademarks such as names, logos, slogans and sounds can be registered to protect brands and gain protection that can last forever with renewal fees. 5. Non-disclosure agreements should be used to keep confidential information like new products, code or trade

1. Aaron Trebble
My top 5 t-IP-s
for protecting your video game intellectual property

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Introduction - What is IP and why is it important
Video game
businesses are
innovative and
creative
IP rights allow you
to protect your
investment
If you own the IP
you own your
game
IP allows you to
stop others from
copying your work
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What is copyright?
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Protects your game and it’s free!
Tip 1 - Copyright
The most important
software IP right
Lasts for a long time –
usually life + 70 years
Arises automatically in
the UK – no need to
register it
Protects code and literary,
dramatic, musical and
artistic works
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What is copyright infringement?
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Protects your game and it’s free!
Tip 1 - Copyright
Does not need to
be the whole of
the work
Copying the work
without permission!
Functionality can be
replicated but this is a
complex issue
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For copyright it is
normally the “author” of
the work
Common issue for software
businesses
Written agreements need
to make the position clear
for all IP
Employees and contractors
are treated differently
Be clear on the IP ownership position
Tip 2 – Check your contracts
Who owns
your IP?
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Check what is already out there first
Tip 3 – Clearance checks
Consider
specialist advice
on the risks
Check your
product for
possible conflicts
Searches of IP
registers and
checks for other
third party IP
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Prevention is
better than cure

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Register them to protect your brand!
Tip 4 - Trade marks
Not just names and logos
- slogans, sounds, moving
images, etc. too
Protection can last
forever (if you pay
renewal fees)
Registration is
recommended
Relatively low cost
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Trade secrets, e.g. new
products, code, etc
Must be kept confidential to
stay protected
Sign one before sharing
your information
NDA requires the receiving
party to keep it secret
Protecting your confidential information
Tip 5 – NDAs
Non-
disclosure
agreement
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Thank you
Leeds Digital
Festival
webinar here
Any
questions?
IPO website
here
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Further
information
UKG/98689410