Abstract
<jats:p>The paper considers the possibility and logical admissibility of game mechanics protection by patenting. The logical justification of such protection in private cases is provided, along with an example of a patent of the US jurisdiction protecting game mechanics by patenting. Additionally, an example of a patent in the Russian jurisdiction, which factually protects a computer program, is given. The carried out semantic analysis of the wording of both patents, demonstrates the similarity of the wording used. It is concluded that game mechanics can be patented in the Russian jurisdiction if the purpose, novelty and content of the game mechanics patent are correctly stated semantically and there is a proven economic or other social effect.</jats:p>