Practical Answer — Game & Creative IP

How Do I Protect a Card Game's IP in China?

By Peter Lin, Founder, China IP Gateway · June 2026

In short

Not the 'idea' itself, but its protectable parts. A card game's value lives in concrete elements: the game name, the logo, the card artwork, character designs, and the rulebook. The right strategy is to identify which of these can actually be protected and build a layered IP structure — trademarks for names and logos, copyright for artwork and text — rather than trying to monopolize an abstract concept.

The Game Idea Itself Is Usually Not Protectable

Founders instinctively want to 'protect the idea.' But abstract ideas are hard to protect in any jurisdiction, including China. The protectable value sits in specific, concrete elements — the ones that make your game identifiable and distinct.

This distinction matters practically: you cannot stop a competitor from making 'a card game about ancient Chinese dynasties,' but you can stop them from using your exact name, your character artwork, or your written rulebook text.

What Can Actually Be Protected

Trademark

Game name and logo — the commercial identity of the game. File in the relevant classes in China before manufacturing or pitching.

Card artwork, character designs, and the written rulebook text. Original creative expression is copyright-protected upon creation, but registration strengthens enforcement.

Design Patent

The visual appearance of physical card designs and packaging, where the design is distinctive enough to meet novelty requirements.

Build a Layered Structure

Combine trademark filing for names and logos with copyright protection for artwork and text, and consider design protection where appropriate — a layered structure rather than one filing.

Before manufacturing in China or pitching to Chinese partners, file the trademark first. The game name and logo are the most commercially valuable elements and the easiest to lose to a bad-faith filer.

File the trademark for the game name and logo in China before sharing materials

Identify all original artwork and confirm it is properly owned by the correct entity

Use a China-enforceable NNN with non-use and no-unauthorized-IP-filing clauses before pitching

Keep a disclosure log for everything shared with potential partners or manufacturers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I protect the rules of my card game?

The abstract rules are hard to protect, but the specific written expression in your rulebook can be protected by copyright.

What is the most important first filing for a card game?

Usually the trademark for the game name and logo, since that anchors the commercial brand.

Written by

Peter Lin

Founder & China Supplier Control Lead, China IP Gateway

Peter Lin works with global product founders and creators on China-side IP protection, trademark strategy, and disclosure control before pitching or manufacturing in China.

Game & Creative IP in China

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