Simple question.

Are there any copyrights to a game

1. Rules
2. Genre

Let's suppose a developer finds puzzle game interesting, can he make a version with the exact same rules knowing he would not use any coprighted material (graphics and sounds) and that the name of the game would be totally different and not a variant of the original name ?

What about software based on real board games (non software)?

IANAL, but as I understand it you can freely clone gameplay and mechanics. Look and feel is what you have to worry about. There are legal precedents to back this up (Capcom vs. Data East, etc).

Two points, though: Do you need to clone a game? Even some variation would probably help sales.
Legal or not, litigation isn't a risk to take lightly. It still costs a lot to defend against a lawsuit you know you can win.

There's also just a general question of goodwill. The game industry is not THAT big. If you obviously rip off someone's concept without adding much to that concept and compete with them they WILL be a little pissed off. For that reason alone I'd steer clear of a direct copy of any game unless you felt you really had something to add to the game. Something like tetris with letters where you have to spell words is an example of a clone that takes a different approach. Making "Rocknor's Donut Factory" again with the exact same set of tools but changing the Donuts to bagels and calling it "joe's bagel factory" is asking for trouble.

Originally posted by AnotherDev
What about software based on real board games (non software)?

I believe you can patent game rules in the US (computer or board) and it does happen with board games, so it'd probably be worth checking what it says on the box.

In the U.S. courts, the concept of "Look and Feel" belonging to the copyright holder has been upheld several times. So even with completely original graphics, if your game too closely mirrors another, you can be given a Cease & Desist.