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I found a really cool word game that I would like to implement as a mobile app, though I don't if anyone owns the right to the concept. I know there are many games out there, such as Poker or Crossword puzzles, that are in the public domain and I'm hoping this is one of them. I've done a patent search on google and a trademark search on the USPTO site and haven't found anything. How can I determine if someone owns the rights to the word game that I'd like to implement as a mobile app?

Thanks so much for your knowledge!

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Well, you stated that you have done a little bit of research...I would consider doing both a trademark and patent search at the governmental websites. In addition, I would try a lot of different combinations of searches to ensure all possible bases are covered. If you can't find anything related (close enough where they could make a claim against you), then I think it's fair game.

Perhaps you could search and find similar or related apps that exist already (through a Google search). If you do find something similar, you could then use that as a basis to search through the USPTO.

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Try to trace the history of the game. If it's old enough, more than 100 years, it's very likely that it's in the public domain.

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