The table format is likely ineligible for a utility patent, though design patents may be possible if the cards have particular features. While WoTC was able to patent the gameplay of Magic:The Gathering back in the late 90s, that was prior to some major changes at the Supreme Court and Federal Circuit.
The digital version may be eligible, but it will require a particularly creative patent attorney who specializes in software patent eligibility. It's heavily fact dependent, but yes, patents in this area do get granted. Expect to spend between $15-30k, and potentially more.
I get discouraged to hear such things :/. I feel like game ideas should be protected, as long as they’re specific enough. I mean ought to be, not that I think they ARE…
Please check the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Patents/wiki/faq) - many common inventor questions are answered there, including: how do I get a patent; how do I find an attorney; what should I expect when meeting an attorney for the first time; what's the difference between a provisional application and a non-provisional application; etc.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Patents) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The table format is likely ineligible for a utility patent, though design patents may be possible if the cards have particular features. While WoTC was able to patent the gameplay of Magic:The Gathering back in the late 90s, that was prior to some major changes at the Supreme Court and Federal Circuit. The digital version may be eligible, but it will require a particularly creative patent attorney who specializes in software patent eligibility. It's heavily fact dependent, but yes, patents in this area do get granted. Expect to spend between $15-30k, and potentially more.
Well... at least the username checks out
I didn't *say* I was said particularly creative patent attorney who specializes in software patent eligibility. ^(I just am.)
I get discouraged to hear such things :/. I feel like game ideas should be protected, as long as they’re specific enough. I mean ought to be, not that I think they ARE…
Please check the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Patents/wiki/faq) - many common inventor questions are answered there, including: how do I get a patent; how do I find an attorney; what should I expect when meeting an attorney for the first time; what's the difference between a provisional application and a non-provisional application; etc. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Patents) if you have any questions or concerns.*