Key facts
- The Tetris Company is reviewing a "Tetris" clone game created by the White House.
- The Tetris Company stated it did not authorize or license its brand or intellectual property for the game.
- The Tetris Company believes in connection and bringing people together, not dividing them.
- The White House social media team created parody videos mimicking classic game console start-up sequences.
The White House has created a "Tetris" clone game titled 'Build the Wall,' which has drawn the attention of The Tetris Company. In a statement, a spokesperson for The Tetris Company said it was "reviewing the matter" and clarified that the company "was not involved in the creation of ‘Build the Wall’ and did not authorize or license the Tetris brand or intellectual property for the game." The company also posted on social media, stating its belief in "the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them."
The Tetris Company has a history of protecting its intellectual property through takedown requests and legal actions against games that copy its gameplay or style. While gameplay mechanics are generally not copyrightable, the visual presentation and specific elements of Tetris can be protected under copyright law as "trade dress." The White House may wish to avoid a public dispute with the game's makers, especially in the lead-up to federal elections.