How do I imitate the game "Guess Who?

What is the copyright on the board game Guess Who?

• I have an idea for a similar game to Guess Who. I'm not going to explain it on here, but what I can say is all the pictures are different and not copyrighted. That part I'm afraid of is that fact the board is the same with the pieces you flip down as you ask questions. Keep in mind, this game isn't for my personal use, it is intended to be presented to a company and sold for other people's use. What I'm asking is is the idea of the board for the game Guess Who copyrighted? Or can I use that basic idea? Thanks for all help in advance!

• Answer:

  Copyright doesn't prevent anyone else from using the "idea" of the game. To prevent you from using their invention (in the form of rules for a game), they would have to patent it. Patents are expensive, only enforceable in the country where you obtained it, and last only 14-20 years. To make sure you're clear, you may need to hire a patent attorney to do a search for you and to write you a legal clearance opinion.