Feature: 'It’s Just a Game, Right? Top Mythconceptions on Patent Protection of Video Games'

Today's feature, subtitled 'Top Mythconceptions on Patent Protection of Video Games' and from IP lawyers Ross Dannenberg and Steve Chang, addresses the sometimes controversial area of software patents from a lawyer's perspective: "Our informal review of the records at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) revealed a relative dearth of patent applications for the video game industry, especially considering how technology-dependent the video game industry is, and given its size in terms of annual sales. Why is that? Patents, by their very nature, grant the right to exclude your competitors from stealing the fruits of your labor, and yet this powerful tool appears to be overlooked by the majority of the industry. In an effort to answer this question, we set out below to dispel what we see as the top myths surrounding patent protection of video games, and hope to encourage innovative game developers to take steps to protect their valuable innovations." In relation to this, we're asking a new Question Of The Week to run alongside this piece: “Do you agree with the concept of patenting specific video game concepts, either game design ideas or technical innovations?” You can now read the full Gamasutra feature on the subject (free registration required.).