Is it legal to create a boggle version that has a different name, language and rules without being sued by hasbro?
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2If it has a different name, language, and rules, what makes it a Boggle variant instead of it being a completely different game?– doppelgreenerNov 26, 2015 at 1:03
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2Sorry but legal advice should be gotten from a lawyer not a board game Q&A.– freekvdNov 26, 2015 at 21:39
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1This is a legal question, not one about a board game.– GendoIkariNov 30, 2015 at 21:41
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Bound to be legal to make — but do you want to sell it?– PJTraillDec 14, 2015 at 0:04
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You can use the Boggle game mechanics, but have to avoid any Intellectual Property that falls under trademark or copyright, because Hasbro will definitely go after you if you do, and possibly even if you don't. If you change the rules, I think you can avoid this potential liability entirely. I highly recommend researching Words with Friends vs. Scrabble– DukeZhouAug 14, 2017 at 20:51
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2 Answers
Copyright only covers specific implementations, i.e. the exact wording of the rules. Patents are a nonissue in this case, Boggle was released in 1972 so any patent applying to it would have expired years ago.
Copyright, trademarks, and patents are complicated subjects and if you are really concerned about this sort of thing you should consult an Intellectual Property attorney. Or if you don't want to spend money on this problem I hope you're covered by fair use.
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1Copyright is unlikely to arise in this situation; patents possibly, passing off almost certainly. But +1 for 'consult an attorney': you get what you pay for in legal advice, and SE is free. Nov 26, 2015 at 13:52
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You forgot about trademarks. Answer updated to include more things you should consult a lawyer for.– chicksNov 26, 2015 at 14:54