Developers and publishers of smartphone and tablet games have created a new revenue stream by selling in-game and in-app products during use, including cheats or hints to help a stumped gamer complete a level. However, in many cases, the gamer can easily obtain cheats or hints at no cost by searching the Internet for free hints or cheats posted by other gamers.  Often, the online hints or cheats include unauthorized live-action video or screenshots of gameplay. 

This article discusses copyright protection of video games, defenses to an infringement claim, anti-circumvention protection, fair use and game cheats.