Can I create an app based off a board game?
<p>I wanted to create an app based on the Board Game Secret Hitler. The game itself is free to download on printable form. Because it is only available in Canada atm. I contacted the team behind the board game and they told me that it is not allowed to copy their game. So , what I am asking is, if I base the rules for my app off this board game, but everything other than that is different from the board game's design, is this still considered copyright infringement?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any info on this matter.</p>
<p>P.S. the app will be free</p>

<h2>Game rules are not subject to copyright</h2>
<p>That doesn’t mean you can photocopy them because although the rules are not copyright, the specific representation of them is. As are the design of the board, components etc.</p>
<p>Further, there will probably be trade mark protection of the name of the game and possibly other things as well.</p>
<p>So if you use the rules to make a game with a different name and a different “skin” and make no reference to the original, you aren’t breaching anyone’s IP.</p>
<p>This is a difficult line to walk; consult a lawyer.</p>

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