How to License a Card Game Idea
Designers who create a card-game concept often find themselves in possession of unique mechanics and play formats that lend themselves easily to multiple forms of publication. When this occurs, it is often best to seek a manufacturer or other company that can make the best use of your new card game. When you grant that company the right to use your card-game ideas, you will license the rights to them. There are a few steps that should be taken whether or not these ideas are patented.
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Instructions
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Visit the Creative Commons Web site to gain an understanding of the terms and concepts related to licenses. You do not have to use a Creative Commons license, but their information is invaluable in constructing license agreements.
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Determine the extent of your license offer. Exclusive agreements are great when working with a single company; however, if your product can have multiple uses, you may be leaving money on the table, unless you offer non-exclusive licenses to many vendors.
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Make a list of all the manufacturers you will proposition. It is best to leave your choices as wide as possible because some companies may see opportunities that you are not yet aware of.
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Contact each company, and submit a brief overview of your proposal. Usually, you will use either e-mail or postal services for this contact, though some may be willing to meet face to face from the start. Make sure to include what unique properties are present and why they fit the style of the company's existing product lines.
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Listen carefully to their feedback and what they seek in a game-idea license. You may need to tweak your existing designs or your licensing terms.
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Contact a lawyer specializing in contract law as soon as you have a firm offer. Many offers from manufacturers are considered a starting point for negotiations and may ask much more from you than you may have to give.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're struggling to find vendors to pick up your idea, think of companies that already have similar ideas out in the market. Companies such as Wizards of the Coast, Decipher and Bandai are great starting points, and they will be looking for complete and professional submissions. Many large companies do not accept unsolicited submissions. You may want to go through a smaller company until you have enough accreditation. Non-exclusive license agreements are great for this type of situation.
"No" rarely means "never." Don't get discouraged or upset when a manufacturer turns down your idea. They may have too many projects at the time, or your product may not fit as neatly as you had thought with their future plans.
