MVV296K Interactive Entertainment Law
Lecture 3
In-Class Exercise: Exploring Video Game Patents for Innovation
Instructions:
1. Form Groups:
Break into small groups of 3–4 students, each representing the R&D team of a startup
video game company. Your task is to identify opportunities for innovation by
exploring patents in the video game industry.
2. Search and Analyze Patents:
Each group should research and identify three types of video game-related patents:
• Expired Patent: A video game patent that has expired, allowing anyone to use
the invention freely.
• Hardware-Based Patent: A patent focused on physical gaming equipment or
devices (e.g., controllers, VR headsets).
• Software-Based Patent: A patent focused on gaming software (e.g., AI
algorithms, game mechanics).
Use public databases like Google Patents or national patent oQice databases to
conduct your search.
3. Evaluate and Brainstorm:
For each patent, consider its potential for innovation:
• Expired Patent: Could your team enhance or repurpose this invention?
• Hardware Patent: Could you develop a better, more aQordable, or more userfriendly
version?
• Software Patent: Could you refine the algorithm, integrate it into a new game, or
apply it in a novel context?
4. Prepare a Short Presentation:
Each group will prepare a 2–3 minutes summary of their innovation ideas.