Practical Answer — Game & Creative IP

How Do I Protect My Game or Story IP Before Pitching It to Chinese Partners?

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

In short

Protect the disclosure path first. For a game, story, or character universe, the risk is not one leaked file — it is someone using your pitch deck, scripts, character profiles, or concept art to develop a similar project, or filing your title, character names, or logo first in China. Before sending materials, secure key trademarks, define what is shared and to whom, and use a China-enforceable agreement covering use and circumvention.

Creators Often Ask the Wrong First Question

They ask 'can I find the right partner in China?' The better first question is 'what should I protect before I start sending materials?'

Once your pitch deck, character designs, or story concepts enter a discussion, the protection window narrows. What you disclose before protection is in place may be very difficult to control afterward.

A Normal NDA May Not Be Enough

You may be sharing a pitch deck, story synopsis, script samples, character profiles, game design documents, concept artwork, card designs, music references, and commercial plans. The risk goes beyond confidentiality — into use, imitation, and first-filing of your titles and characters.

A standard NDA covers disclosure only. A China-enforceable agreement covering non-use and non-circumvention is a better fit for creative IP pitches to Chinese partners.

Protect the Disclosure Path, Layer by Layer

Identify which elements can actually be protected: the name, logo, artwork, character designs, and written materials

File key China trademarks for your title, character names, and brand before pitching broadly

Control what is disclosed to whom — use a disclosure log even for creative pitches

Use a China-enforceable agreement covering non-use and non-circumvention before sending materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I protect a game idea itself?

Usually not the abstract idea, but you can protect concrete elements: the name, logo, artwork, character designs, and written rulebook or script.

What is the biggest risk when pitching creative IP in China?

Someone using your materials to develop a similar project, or filing your title, character name, or logo first.

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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