Games based on Public Domain Material

[BarryJenkins]

What is the name of your state?
(In Canada)

Lets say you want to make a game based on a book which is part of public domain.
For example: 2000 Leagues Under the Sea is public domain.

If I were to make a game inspired or based around the book,
would I need to ask for permission to adapt it or something?

 

[xylene]

Is the public domain source material also a famous Disney movie?

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state?
(In Canada)

Lets say you want to make a game based on a book which is part of public domain.
For example: 2000 Leagues Under the Sea is public domain.

If I were to make a game inspired or based around the book,
would I need to ask for permission to adapt it or something?

FreeAdvice provides legal information and advice based on the laws of the US. Intellectual property laws can differ in significant ways from country to country so you will want to seek out advice and information in Canada for laws that apply to you.

That said, public domain materials can be used by anyone without permission. There is no copyright holder to concern yourself with.

BUT, some public domain materials have been adapted and these adaptations can have copyright protection. You are able to use the underlying original work but not the work in it's adapted form.

So, you can create a game based on a work in the public domain but if an old novel has been made into a new movie, your game cannot be based on the movie version of the novel.

 

[BarryJenkins]

of course thanks a bunch!

 

[BarryJenkins]

@xylene nope probably not (a bit dark for disney standards)

 

[quincy]

of course thanks a bunch!

You're welcome, Barry. We appreciate the thanks.

I suggest that before you produce and market your game, you have an IP attorney check it out.

Good luck.