How do i get copyright on my game?

TheBearVideosTheBearVideos Member Posts: 3
in iPhone and Android Publishing
Hey there!
I am using gamesalad for 1 month now and i realy enjoy it. I am making some progress but this leads me up to a question. If my game is done, and put it in the appstore/google play/ amazon/ nookstore etc. how do i know i got the copyright? Or how can i get it, so the idea for my game cant be stolen by someone else?
Thanks!
(sorry if my english is not correct)

Answers

  • 3itg3itg Member, PRO Posts: 382
    edited April 2013
    the act of publishing (like to the apple app store) an original application works pretty well as a copyright for the application itself, when you are the sole creator.
    If you write code, you inherently own a copyright to it. (I believe this is close to unchanged when using gamesalad, though you dont "code" your game is your property. Copyright attaches only to original works. A work is “created” when it is fixed in a “tangible medium of expression” for the first time.)
    If you want more than that, you will need a lawyer who knows copyrighting and trademarking.
  • TheBearVideosTheBearVideos Member Posts: 3
    Thanks allot for your fast answer 3itg! Do i also dont need to become pro on gamesalad or pay apple, google, etc. an amount?
  • 3itg3itg Member, PRO Posts: 382
    edited April 2013
    Gamesalad doesnt require a fee for publishing to iOS. But Apple does. It is US$100 to become an apple developer.
    Gamesalad Pro will give you access to additional platforms such as android and win8 apps, as well as additional monetization options. Gamesalad Pro is $300.
    Win8 Dev License is $50
    Google Play is $25
    Samsung Apps is free I think.
    Barnes & Noble Nook Dev is free if I remember correctly.
    Amazon is $100, but might be free for a while, I dont remember exactly.

    So, your minimum cost to publish is $100. and you only get iOS, and you dont control the advertisements.

    And Welcome to Gamesalad!
  • TheBearVideosTheBearVideos Member Posts: 3
    Thanks again 3itg!
  • mounted88mounted88 Member Posts: 1,113
    Just to add to @3itg amazon is free
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  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    To be a little more clear the act of creating means you have a copyright. Even if you never publicly publish your creation you still have a copyright the second you create it.
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  • 3itg3itg Member, PRO Posts: 382
    Publishing it merely affords you a publicly verifiable date for your copyright.
  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    edited April 2013
    And...these are more like a property claim. " this is mine, made by me, I did it first" type of thing. If push comes to shove and you want to be proactive to seek compensation from potential statutory damages (theft) register with a traditional copyright/s, but consult copyright lawyer first (this can get complicated. expensive and messy). Nothing compares to actual registration (I know, I had to deal with a large company last year that "borrowed" some of my work).

    For instance someone steels some art assets from your game.

    The differences are this:

    Not registered:
    You: I have a copyright. I made this game two years ago on iOS.
    My Stealy: Oh really that's nice. I did not now.
    You: Please cease and desist.
    Mr. Stealy: Okay, do you have proof of your game character's copyrights?
    You: Yeah, they are on the Appstore and on my computer.
    Mr. Stealy: (at this point may not say anything to you again) or "So?".
    You: There are mine!
    Mr. Stealy (if a larger independent or other company) Send me the your proof of copyright.
    You: You send your stuff
    Mr. Stealy: So, none of this is registered with the office?
    You: No, I don't need to. (this is perceived as a layman saying "I know my rights!")
    Mr. Stealy: (now sees how this will work to your disadvantage as you are a small independent and/or do not have the capital to take action on theft of your property. Remember anything goes. The next response could be, "We don't recognize the infringement" or "prove it court" if you can afford it).
    You: Rage mode.

    Registered:
    Mr. Steally "oh crap", Then proceeds to desists on or near date requested. Letters of apology. Potential legal compensation. They back down and your work is protected.


    Also, video games in particular have many grey areas and undetermined/undecided ares of protection (this is still being debated/laws being drawn and international matters are complicated/messy). Understand the differences between what needs a copyright, trademark registration and/or patent. Realistically, you don't need to really worry about this if you are just starting out making your first batch of games, but when you aim to roll with the big dogs later, keep it in mind.
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