Hi,

after a long time my first post :-)

I would like to develop a freeware pong clone, but I'm unable to get a starting point from a copyright / trademark perspective.

Are there any rights reserved ?! How do I find out ?

I'm kinda stuck on this topic *sigh*

thanks,
jono

As long as you just "copy" the gameplay idea (destroying blocks with a ball which is controlled by a paddle) you shouldn't get into trouble.
Just don't copy any files, the idea however is not copyright protected as far as I know.

i have planned to use the name actually. hmm.
But I do not plan to borrow anything else than that from the original game.

thanks for the quick reply,
jono

I'm sure the name "Pong" is off limits, however there are a million Pong clones. Use a different name and try and make it standout from all the rest. You probably won't be able to secure the brand "Pong" because I believe it is being sold in stores as a retro/nostalgic unit like all of those plug and play joystick games.

If you are looking to use the name Pong, you are looking for trademark info (the code is covered by copyright, brand names are trademarked).

I think the PONG trademark is owned by Atari and I think they still enforce it. You would need to talk to a lawyer.

"Bong" could be a nice one to use dont ya think ?

bong sounds pretty much like drugs stuff... better try ping lol

hummm here in Brazil, Bong means nothing... anyway...

http://www9.yatego.com/images/412e01d3a96222.4/gw67.jpg
and this is what "bong" means in germany, swiss and austria lol

Lol.

Just funny how you can be arrested for some wrong words