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George,

You have every right to exercise your patent. The large percentage of its elements are common knowledge, and therefore would fall outside the arena of exclusive use.

And the resemblance to the Bison is quite minor, being only an identical translation. The conditionals for this translation are more than sufficient to prove as a significant modification.

So feel free to manufacture sets based on this patent.

But this patent does not allow for denial of innovation. Only duplication. Thus if someone manufactured a product which duplicated that described by your patent, you could quickly take action. And the unique element of this patent could be jealously defended.

As to the rejection of patent applications. Most are rejected because they are improperly prepared. Some are immediately challenged by representatives of those holding prior claim, remember that large corporations keep teams of patent attorneys on staff and they review any new application which falls within their area of concern.

The rules of Monopoly and Scrabble are covered by copyrights. The construction of the game sets are covered by patents. Their names are covered by trademarks.

These do not prevent the creation of new acquisition-type or crossword games. Only their duplication.

As to publishing an implementation of this game, I will have to regretfully pass on such a project. Not because I think that the concept is un-worthy of such, I actually think that it is an interesting variant. But because I believe that such a project would not be enjoyable. I take into consideration not only your comments directed to me personally but those which you have delivered to others.