网络游戏规则著作权保护:路径选择与侵权判定

Research on Copyright Protection of Online Game Rules:Mode&Identification Method

在网络游戏“换皮”抄袭猖獗、游戏产品同质化现象严重的当下,网络游戏规则能否得到有效保护事关网络游戏版权产业的良性循环。司法实践中以游戏画面为载体的间接保护模式虽有一定的合理性,但局限性也很明显,只是《著作权法》修订之前的权宜之计。论述网络游戏规则的可版权性,并不意味着所有的网络游戏规则都能成为著作权保护的客体,但只有承认网络游戏规则具有可版权性,才能将其纳入著作权法的分析框架加以保护,而不是用反不正当竞争法的一般条款来解决问题。探究网络游戏规则著作权法保护模式和具体路径,在此基础上,结合司法裁判现状,对“换皮”纠纷著作权侵权判定中关键的“实质性相似”认定方法提出完善建议,以期实现游戏从业者利益保护与创作自由的平衡,从而促进网络游戏版权产业健康有序发展。

In the current era of rampant plagiarism in online games and serious homogenization of game products,whether the online game rules can be effectively protected is related to the virtuous circle of the online game industry.In judicial practice,the indirect protection mode with game pictures as the carrier has certain rationality,but its limitations are also obvious.It is only a temporary measure before the revision of the Copyright Law.Discussing the copyrightability of online game rules does not mean that all online game rules can become the object of copyright protection,but only by recognizing the copyrightability of online game rules can they be included in the analysis framework of copyright law protection rather than using the general provisions of anti-unfair competition law to solve the problem.This paper analyzes the copyright protection mode and specific path of online game rules.It puts forward suggestions for improving the identification method of“substantial similarity”in the determination of copyright infringement in“skin changing”disputes in combination with the current situation of judicial adjudication,In order to achieve a balance between the protection of the interests of game practitioners and the freedom of creation,and encourage the healthy and orderly development of the online game industry.