How to patent an idea about Cricket

By Raja on November 11, 2012 7 Comments / 6583 views

Hi All,

I have an idea about cricket. I want to patent it. But I have some questions.

Is it possible to patent about a game? Changing the rules. Not like 50 over to 20 over change.

Should I patent in all countries where the cricket is played?

Should I hire a lawyer to make the document perfect to patent?(Can any one help me on this if you have done patent already.)

How long will it take to get the patent?

I googled enough, but did n’t get clear picture.

Any help?

Thanks.

Comments

Raja

7 Comments

Ashwin C Parulkar November 16, 2012, 7:04 pm

1. You need to make a documentation about the game play , a manual containing all the possible rules, the way game is played, if it is time bound then min by min description, if you are using some innovations eg cheer girls, then info about them. Eg UFC
2. You should appoint IP lawyer
3.no need for multi country regi. As Indian copy right act is sufficient ,as a safety you can register it in th US. TOO
4. It can take 6 months
Hitch : since BCCI and ICC are the two strongest bodies exiting ,it will be an uphill task for you to think of making your format popular ( IPL VS champion legue,Kapil Dev was banned for years being part of the later)
Ramanuj Mukherjee November 17, 2012, 8:43 am

Hi,

You can not patent a game – because you can not patent an idea. You can, however, as a thumb rule, patent something which can be prototyped. the technological advance is what is protected through a patent.

If you make a new type of machine to play a game you may be able to patent it (unless someone already has a patent/ knowledge is already in public domain/ obviousness etc.)

Hence, twenty20 as a form of cricket can not be patented. It is, however, trademarked – just like a brand.
Raja November 17, 2012, 5:31 pm

Thanks Ashwin.

How to product my idea from others till getting patent? Sorry to ask this.. My concern is when I appoint IP lawyer or some one to format it better to get patent, I have to disclose my idea to them. As this is a play process idea and not related to technology, any one can easily take that from me and get patent when Im in process also.

Im so new to this topic, thats why asking very basic things. Please help me on this. My questions and answers for that may help several others in need of same help.
Raja November 17, 2012, 5:38 pm

Thanks Ramanuj.

Is that correct? Can’t I patent my play process idea and licence that to somebody to use that??

My idea is not related to any technology related and purely related to play process and not simple as over change.

When it is played it will be a cricket with new set of rules and rules are not vey small like noball/ wide/ wicket.

T20 is new form of cricket, of course, but its change is very simple. But mine is not like that.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Ashwin C Parulkar November 18, 2012, 11:16 am

As I have said in point 1
Do it first and send this document via Regi.A.D. on self address, DO NOT OPEN IT
You will only open it in case some one challenges your format in court.

After that you appoint a lowyer,they are professionals like doctors and you need to trust him.
Follow point 1 first,if your process is unique then you can copy right it as your trade information, you can also form a proprietory company and regi it in co name as the process by which your co will conduct its business.
Again refer HItch.
Ashwin C Parulkar November 18, 2012, 11:20 am

Yes you can license your process by doing a formal agreement you will be a licensor and other licensee.

2nd you will have to make presentations once your are done with it to key people, x cricketers, and seek their opinion
Raja November 20, 2012, 5:56 pm

Thanks Ashwin.. I will follow your advice.