Can You Make Your Own Version of Monopoly and Sell It?

I get asked this question a lot as a board game designer and enthusiast – and I always have to answer with a resounding no. As much fun as it might seem to create your own twist on the iconic property-trading game, replicating Monopoly will quickly land you in legal trouble.

Let me explain why copying Monopoly is off the table, and instead give you some pointers for making – and profiting from – a brand new board game concept that you can truly call your own!

Why Trying to Capitalize on Monopoly‘s Fame is Asking for Trouble

As one of the most popular board games ever created, Monopoly sits in a unique class of intellectual property due its trademark and copyright protections.

• Monopoly first published in 1935 by Parker Brothers, which was acquired by Hasbro in 1991. This gives Hasbro full rights over all Monopoly branding and products.
• The trademark registration legally covers the Monopoly name/logo on games and all merchandise.
• Copyright protects creative elements like the visual board design, Chance/Community Chest cards, game pieces, and rules.

Essentially, replicating anything that makes Monopoly identifiable as Monopoly without permission would constitute infringement. And infringement can lead to legal action from Hasbro to recover profits, damages, and attorney fees.

One recent real-world example:

• An unauthorized Monopoly Movies version on Kickstarter aiming to raise $50k was sued by Hasbro in 2020 over trademark and copyright. The creator had added movie poster backgrounds + Cinema ticket Community Chest cards.
• After cancelling the campaign once notified, the creator continued selling self-printed games on Etsy. He ultimately settled, agreeing to pay Hasbro $20k+ in damages.

The reality is Monopoly‘s brand recognition is so valuable that Hasbro actively polices unauthorized use. While it‘s tempting to bank on that existing awareness by making your own version, imitation won‘t pay off financially or legally.

How to Make Your Own Board Game People Will Buy

Instead of getting in murky trademark waters, I recommend putting that creative energy into designing a wholly original game with the potential for commercial success!

In my decade of working in tabletop/video game development, I‘ve watched many indie designers successfully bring their vision to market:

Tabletop games released per year. Source

With board gaming now a $2 billion dollar industry annually, there‘s ample market potential for new games that offer engaging mechanics woven into an immersive theme.

While developing an original idea that resonates takes effort and iteration, the payoff of releasing your own board game is immense. Here are my top tips:

1. Start By Finding Untapped Mechanical/Thematic Territory

The keys to standing out are filling an unmet need among players and doing so in a thematically sticky wrapper.

• Research popular mechanics or themes: bidding, route-building, trains, civilization building, etc.
• Identify open niches by blending less common combinations in new ways. For example:
  • Thematically: pirates + accountant gameplay
  • Mechanically: area control + push-your-luck dice
• Browse Kickstarter tabletop campaigns for inspiration on less saturated approaches.

2. Playtest Extensively Before Production

Don‘t fall in love with one idea without testing it first – failing to validate the fun factor with objective players is mistake number one for designers.

• Recruit 5-10 friends to play your prototype and provide candid feedback.
• Observe sessions closely without intervening – where do players get confused or bored? When are they most engaged?
• Expect to tweak rules and components substantially between versions.
• Repeat with stranger playtesters to confirm the game stands on its own.

Extensive playtesting will not only improve your game, it builds excitement if early testers have a good time. Positive reactions help sell the game later when trying to get backers/press coverage.

3. Build Interest Prior to Launch

Promoting ahead of release is crucial because most games sink if no audience exists right away online or at conventions.

• Pitch your game to tabletop reviewers on YouTube/blogs about 6-12 months pre-launch. Early buzz pays off hugely.
• Show off the aesthetic appeal with eye catching photos/video clips. Visuals drive hype.
• Collect signups via social media for fans wanting launch updates and special early bird Kickstarter pricing.

4. Price and Fund Production Wisely

Manufacturing physical games has high minimum order costs. Make smart financial and production decisions:

• Research manufacturer rates in China/Europe/USA to calibrate pricing model – know your margins.
• Factor estimated shipping expenses into goal costs. International shipping is pricier.
• Check comps on current KS projects to set fair pledge tiers for base game + all extras.
• Pad funding goal by 20% more than your minimum order amount as buffer.

Underfunding production is an ugly mistake that can sink a launch and require a relaunch. Do the homework to size budgets adequately!

Average tabletop game campaign financials. Source

5. Protect Your Intellectual Property

Don‘t repeat the errors of over-eager Monopoly remixers! Legally protect your original game elements against imitation:

• File provisional patents for truly novel mechanics and systems – the low initial cost buys you a year to finalize the full utility patent registration.
• Register your distinctive logo font, mascots, branded imagery, and other artwork with the US Copyright Office before revealing them publicly.
• Trademark your game‘s brand name/title – and social media handles – so no one can create knock-offs later.

While enforcing trademarks/copyrights takes effort, your legal ownership is the only protection stopping another company from making their own cheaper version of your successful game. Do it right from the start!

In Closing…Dream Big But Avoid Legal Risks!

I hope these best practices equip you to develop an engaging, mechanically polished board game with breakout potential. Just please steer clear of borrowing from Monopoly aesthetics or rules without licensing!

If Monopoly as a concept already inspires you, explore non-commercial outlets like custom boards for personal use, or video game mods that don‘t constitute copyright issues. Protect that passion while expressing it legally!

Now get out there, dream up something fresh that you‘re excited to play yourself, and good luck launching the next hit board game! Let me know if you have any other questions arise around protecting intellectual property or sustainably growing an original concept over time. I‘m always happy to chat tabletop business strategy from my decade of industry experience.

Have fun, be original, and play on!