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tallerthnu t1_jegrekb wrote

I'm not sure if that is actually true. Have you ever noticed that sometimes a game is called like Monopoly Cats, versus Cat-opoly?

I'm pretty sure Hasbro only owns the rights on the Monopoly name, and other companies can make their own unlicensed game if they change the names and fonts just enough.

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GoldenFrank t1_jegyd8m wrote

Several of the key copyright-able aspects of the game have had those copyrights expired and the main mechanics are now in the public domain which is why you saw an explosion of "(noun)-opoly" clones hit the market all at the same time. Hasbro owns "Monopoly" and "Rich Uncle Pennybags" but no longer a square board with 11 spaces per side with properties for sale where players can charge rent once they purchase.

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wombey12 t1_jegsh59 wrote

The gameplay/concept would remain the same, and they can easily get caught out that way.

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