Stephen Adams: Blackjack Variation

[Stephen Adams]

I have created a variation of the game of blackjack which can only be played at online, internet Casinos. What do I have to do to gain a patent or whatever the appropriate protection is for such a new game?

[Geoff Hall]

> I have created a variation of the game of blackjack
> which can only be played at online, internet Casinos.
> What do I have to do to gain a patent or whatever the
> appropriate protection is for such a new game?

Firstly it depends if your idea is inventive enough. If it is then you can file for a 'Methods of play' patent in the USA - countries such as the UK do not accept 'Methods of play' as being patentable.

May be worth visiting the US patent database to see if your idea has been previously patented. You can search for all patents, whether issued or not.

If all is well on the patent side then you would need to perform the mathematics on the game to show what the house edge is. This is sometimes an expensive process depending on the complexity of the game.

If it is only playable on the Internet then you would need to have contact with the main software providers. Some games are already being copied but if you directly license a particular software company, or companies, then it tends to give you more protection as you have a large company looking after your best interest as well.

If all goes to plan, you have to decide what financial compensation you would like for providing the game. Do you go exclusive or non-exclusive ? Some sites will not deal with you unless there is a period of exclusivity. Bear in mind that it will cost the software company considerable expense in programming your new concept.

Finally, last but by no means least, you have to hope that your game is played and at least provides a decent revenue source compared with the regular Blackjack. Generally, the more popular the game then the more revenue you can expect to achieve.

Best regards

Geoff

Blackjack Switch

[Stephen Adams]

Hello Geoff:

Thank you for taking the time to provide such a complete and comprehensive answer to my question. I will definitely follow up on your suggestions.