Q: In this patent: 9908033 Is there a protection for draw 2, draw 4 and choose-color cards or the rules of "uno"? Thanks!
Also, is there a general protection for game rules or features aside from the particular design?
A:
According to Wikipedia, UNO came out in 1971 and became a Mattel property in 1992. Thus, the core aspects of the game have been around for a long time and are no longer patented. (they may be subject to copyright or trademark protection).
Taking a quick look at the patent that you cite, it seems to address a quirky set of rules that I do not remember from playing UNO.
In one embodiment, the supplemental indicia 29 and supplemental indicia 29′ comprise anyone of a “U”, “N”, “O”, “!”. Of course, any other configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. When one of the second plurality of cards 42 with the “U” is played that player is allowed to grab and be in possession of the game piece 14 with the matching indicia 29′. This game piece protects the player who possesses it against any Draw One card that is played on them. Also shown on the “U” game piece 14 is the indicia +1 in a circle. In other embodiments, the game piece 14 can be formed with or without this indicia. When this occurs they simply play to the color or symbol on the card without the penalty of drawing a card.
When one of the second plurality of cards 42 with the “N” is played that player is allowed to grab and be in possession of the game piece 14 with the matching indicia 29′. This game piece protects the player who possesses it against any Draw Two card that is played on them. Also shown on the “N” game piece 14 is the indicia +2 in a circle. In other embodiments, the game piece 14 can be formed with or without this indicia. When this occurs they simply play to the color or symbol on the card without the penalty of drawing any cards.
You need to read the patent carefully, perhaps with the help of a patent attorney and then look to see what is in the lengthy claims and see how the phrases used in the claims map back to the disclosure. I suspect that this is a variation of the rules that is a shift from the UNO of old.
I hope this helps.
Kevin E Flynn
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