IP Protection For Visual Aspects Of Video Games In Europe? I Like The Look Of That!

• Published date: 06 December 2021
• Subject Matter: Intellectual Property, Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment, Copyright, Media & Entertainment Law, Gaming
• Law Firm: Marks & Clerk
• Author: Mr Graham McGlashan

The visuals of a video game, including the art design, characters and graphics, can be one of the key factors in the success of a game. Gamers have become used to seeing sumptuous visuals and look out for iconic characters. As such, visual aspects of a video game can have significant value.

In addition, creating suitably impressive game visuals can require significant skill, insight and investment. As such, protecting the value in game visuals is important for many game developers.

It is possible to protect the look of designs in the UK and European Union via registered design protection, regardless of whether the designs are for tangible objects or are implemented purely in the digital domain. This opens up an opportunity for protection for the visual appearance of video game components such as the look of characters, icons, interfaces and other game visuals. Beneficially, since the protection afforded by registered designs is not limited to a specific product category, it can cover not only the digital domain but also merchandising and other tangible items incorporated in the design.

Design registration in the UK and European...