[smallblacksun]

The ideas in the rules cannot be copyrighted, but the specific text of the rules can be (see http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl108.html). Also, game mechanics can be patented.

[Serentiynow]

Yes, I'm afraid game mechanics can be patented. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_(series)#Legalities

The green arrow on top of the screen. http://screenshots.en.sftcdn.net/en/scrn/22000/22606/crazy-t...