LEGAL WORKBENCH

Arcade IP Dispute & Political Parody Analyzer

Mechanics & Expression Comparison Matrix
Real-time side-by-side simulation testing idea vs protectable expression
ORIGINAL PROTECTED WORK Tetris Holding LLC Standard
← → Move • ↑ Rotate • ↓ Drop 10x20 Matrix
POLITICAL RESKIN / CLONE Campaign Variant
10x20 Matrix

Adjust Derivative Expression & Campaign Intent:

Dynamic IP Exposure & Fair Use Analysis
Algorithmic risk evaluation across 4-Factor Fair Use & Lanham Act
17 U.S.C. § 107

AGGREGATE LITIGATION RISK

CRITICAL EXPOSURE
Preliminary Injunction & Statutory Damages Likely
88/100
DEFENSE CONFIDENCE: 12%
1. Purpose & Character (Transformative Satire vs Commercial Campaign) High Risk
Using game expression for campaign fundraising or voter persuasion weighs against fair use when not commenting directly on the original game itself (Campbell v. Acuff-Rose).
2. Nature of Copyrighted Work Moderate Risk
Arcade audiovisual arrangements, piece coloration, and interface layout are creative, published expressive works entitled to strong copyright protection.
3. Amount & Substantiality of Expression Taken Critical
Replicating the exact 10x20 matrix dimensions, ghost piece drop shadow, lookahead queue box, and 7-bag cadence crosses into protectable expression under Tetris Holding v. Xio.
4. Market Harm & Brand Dilution (15 U.S.C. § 1125 / Lanham Act) Severe
High likelihood of consumer confusion or false endorsement connecting the trademark owner to partisan political candidates without express licensing.
Required Immediate Mitigation: Deploy unambiguous splash screen disclaimer, disable campaign contribution prompts, and alter grid dimensions from 10x20 to custom proportions.
Landmark Precedent & Video Game Idea-Expression Dichotomy
Judicial boundary between free abstract mechanics and strictly protected expressive elements
Key Authority: 863 F. Supp. 2d 394 (D.N.J. 2012)

Unprotectable Ideas & Functional Mechanics (Safe to Emulate)

Game Mechanic Legal Doctrine Status
Falling Geometric Blocks Scènes à faire / 17 U.S.C. § 102(b) Idea / Free
Clearing Completed Horizontal Lines Standard genre convention Idea / Free
Speed Acceleration over Time Functional difficulty curve Idea / Free
Rotation around 90-degree Axis Mathematical system Idea / Free
High Score Leaderboard Generic competitive tracking Idea / Free

Protectable Audiovisual Expression (High Infringement Risk)

Specific Expression Landmark Ruling Infringement Weight
Exact 10x20 Playing Matrix Aspect Ratio Tetris Holding v. Xio (2012) Severe
Shadow / Ghost Piece Silhouette at Base Tetris Holding v. Xio High
Specific 7-Tetromino Color Assignment Atari Games v. Nintendo Severe
Preview Lookahead Box Top-Right Placement Tetris Holding v. Xio Moderate
Korobeiniki Chiptune / Russian Folk Arrangement Master sound recording copyright Critical
Exportable Legal Counsel Risk Memo
Automated litigation readiness brief for digital campaign leadership and media attorneys
PRELIMINARY IP INFRINGEMENT & FAIR USE MEMORANDUM DATE: September 4, 2026 RE: Campaign Arcade Parody Derivative Assessment TARGET ASSET: 2024 Presidential Campaign Arcade Reskin Simulation