As soon as an individual expresses an idea, phrase, or some other form of creativity in a tangible medium of expression, it has copyright protection. The United States government makes all works protected, whether registered or not, in order to promote creativity and allow for all original thoughts to be owned by the creators. While a game developer’s work is automatically protected under copyright laws, there are still substantial benefits to registering the work with the United States Copyright Office.

Benefits of Registration

A game has many components, and those that require creativity (for example, story lines, characters, songs, visual designs, and names within the game) can be protected under copyright laws. By registering any of these components with the Copyright Office, the developer gains additional protections for his or her work. If there is ever suspicion of copyright infringement, an individual must register his or her work with the Copyright Office prior to bringing any legal action against a potentially violating party.

There are also benefits to registering the works before they are published. By registering their work, a developer is putting all others on notice and making it harder for anyone to claim accidental infringement. Copyright registration can also be used as evidence against other parties in infringement lawsuits.

Registering a Developer’s Work

Registration through the Copyright Office is relatively easy and cheap. Registration fees start as low as $35, and the process can be done online. A developer may want to register many components of a single app through its creation. As long as the author of all components is the same, they can be registered together in what is called a “collection.”

Protecting Other Material

Developers create works that encompass computer code, characters, and attention-grabbing titles. Not all of these works can be copyright protected. For computer code, the direct material written or typed out can be copyright protected, and the use of a potential innovative patent could further protect the science behind what makes the game creative. Furthermore, registering the game’s title with the United States Patent and Trademark Office can grant the app additional protections under trademark law.

Mobile Game Attorneys

Protecting a developer’s work does not stop at copyright registration. With the ever-growing world of mobile gaming apps, it is critical that developers protect every aspect of their work. If you have mobile game developing needs, contact one of our Mobile Game Attorneys at 855-473-8474.