Youngstown, OH asked in Copyright for Ohio

Q: If I have an idea for a game written down, but I haven't made the game itself yet, is it protected?

I have both a google docs page and a discord server with information on the idea, including level ideas, story ideas, character designs, etc. In the doc I have it stated who it belongs to with both my name and discord username. I do not have any actual coding or finished art, just text explaining it and some rough sketches. If someone were to try to steal this idea and make it into their own game, am I protected by copyright law?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Miami, FL

A: Generally speaking, copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may, however, claim copyright in the actual written expression of your description and ideas in writing or drawings.

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