What if for example one invented a new game:

Q. I invented a new board game that I think will make a big hit on the marketplace. What form of intellectual property should I use to protect it?

A. This is an interesting question, because board games like Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble often encompass all forms of intellectual property (IP)- a- trade secrets, b- copyright, c- patents, d- trademarks and e- unfair competition.

So let's examine each and how it's applicable to your board game.

- Initially the idea and concept of your board game is a trade secret. A trade secret is any information that isn't generally known or publicly available that can give a business a commercial advantage. So everything novel about your board game, until released to the public by sale or discussion in a publication, is a trade secret. To keep your trade-secret rights, make a written record of the game's details, sign and date it, write "Witnessed and understood," and have two witnesses also sign and date it so you can prove you invented it and when you did so. Keep the game details confidential, but if you must show it to someone, have them sign a nondisclosure agreement.

- The second form of intellectual property that can be used to monopolize your game is a copyright. A copyright is a right granted by the government to protect the works of an author, artist, programmer, choreographer, artist, photographer and so on. A copyright provides a narrow monopoly since it covers only the way an idea is expressed and not the idea per se. In the board game area, a copyright can be used to cover the design of the game board and any associated hardware, the design and artwork of the game's box, and the wording of the rules of play.

- If the game's apparatus-the playing pieces, board or equipment layout, rules and so on-is different enough to be considered "unobvious," then you can patent it. To get a patent, you must file a detailed description of the game's apparatus, including drawings, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), pay a filing fee (currently US $ 345), and sign some forms. But it's wise to make a patent search first to be sure your game is sufficiently novel. Patents can provide a very broad monopoly, but they're the most difficult form of IP to acquire. A patent lasts 20 years from its filing date and can't be renewed.

- The name of your game is a trademark and can be monopolized as such. A trademark is a brand name (like Ford, Coke and Scrabble) that a business uses to distinguish its goods or service from those of its competitors. You merely need to use a word or other symbol as a brand name to acquire common-law monopoly rights in the mark. However, your rights will be much stronger if you register the mark with the PTO. A trademark can be a broad form of IP and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as it's used.

- Unfair competition is a right similar to the trademark right, but it usually covers a commercial aspect of a good or service that is distinctive but not distinctive enough to be considered a trademark. Under common law, or judge-made laws, you can sue infringers. For example, an unusual coloring of game pieces can be covered by the rules of unfair competition. It's a common-law right and is generally fairly narrow.

WHY PROTECT YOUR IP

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Every independent inventor knows the toil and years that go into bringing an idea into existence. The fact is that your ideas, concepts and innovations have real value and can be stolen. The best defense against this sort of theft is for the inventor to be able to readily provide proof of ownership.

I have first hand experience being ripped off by one of the popular Invention submission company advertised on national television. There are thousands of creators who have been ripped off too.

Here are posted countless sad cases One of such cases is outlined below

The Horror Story Dedicated To The Memory of Edwin Armstrong

Edwin Armstrong is the inventor of much of the technology used in radio and television. Armstrong, an inductee into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, killed himself after David Sarnoff the founder and president of NBC stole his technology and refused to take out a license on his patents. Ultimately his widow collected several million dollars. For more information on this paramount case of Armstrong you may see Empire of the Air, either the book or Ken Burns' TV program.

ROADS TO IP

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As an independent inventor you have two alternatives to securing your IP rights:

You can hire a professional to guide you through the patent process (That may cost you something in the range of US$ 10,000 -20,000 to be conservative.) You can take the rewarding step to a- learning about techniques available to protect your invention. You will be then fully aware of existing pitfalls and sure to eliminate the chances of theft and then b- approach a professional or a buyer to negotiate.

The second listed alternative or strategy is to secure the privacy of your IP until you are ready to disclose and sell; and then let the new owner or partner worry about the patent process and the associated fees.

Whether you decide to retain an Attorney, hire the services of a marketing firm, sell or attempt to patent the invention yourself, you are in total control; confident to prove legal ownership and stand up to any legal challenge in a court of law.

- Don't walk as a novice into uncharted waters! Don't let your innovation or concept become an enigma.

Knite Enterprises LLC, offers you a set of instructions for a nominal fee. You don't need to give up your purse to protect your Intellectual property.

PITFALLS TO AVOID

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Once the US' Patent and Trademark Office - PTO - issues an Allowance for a Patent to an inventor that patent is now a matter of public record.

Any corporate entity that notices it and takes an interest may strategically level an infringement law suit. If this entity loses they will then keep appealing, using there financial prowess and seemingly limitless budget, until the inventor runs out of resources!

Patents do not necessarily protect an independent inventors ownership rights as does Privacy.

- Inventors must remember to only disclose to a prospective buyer what it does without disclosing how it does it. This rule of thumb is general and should be utilized with caution and according to the technology of your particular invention.

BENEFIT FROM KNITE ENTERPRISES EXPERIENCE IN IP

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After years and years of financial sacrifices and hard work one can imagine that the "creator" succumbing to these legal pitfalls is frustrated, angry and embarrassed.

Knite Enterprises LLC, had the experience to guide you into safe lanes and show you how to protect your rights and legal ownership of your IP.

- Knite Enterprises LLC Invention Protection Fundamentals Manual is a comprehensive package of tips and no nonsense advises, straight forward set of instructions written in plain English - no legal jargon. You will receive all of the information that you need to protect your invention. You will be guided step by step from its original date of conception to the final stage of development...!

ELIMINATE THE MIDDLEMAN AND SAVE TIME AND MONEY

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Don't get scammed or duped by the many invention promotion / marketing firms. They will charge you huge amount of money for poor result. You do not need a middleman from the start. With Knite Enterprises LLC's Invention Protection Fundamentals Manual you will learn all about IP protection, You will be fully aware of pitfalls. You will know the ropes and be in strong position when you hire a specialist / professional. You won't be flabbergasted / hypnotized by "experts" legal jargon. You will know your rights. You will lead the negotiation. Nothing will be imposed on you.

- Remember it is one thing to prove that you filed for a patent correctly or first. Its another thing to be able to prove in court that said invention is really your sole property. The "first to conceive" the idea and is able to prove it will be recognized as the true owner under the law. Don't waste time and money. Benefit from Knite Enterprises LLC's experience in Intellectual Property Protection.

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