Hello, I'm currently studying html/mysql/java so I can make/host my own web based java game. However, do I need a license so nobody can steal my game? If so, what kind of license? Are they free? Like OpenGL and those, I don't really understand. How would a patent or trademark benefit me? Also, my profit would be from people purchasing my game and ad's. I live in the U.S. do I need to pay taxes for the profit I make from my website/game? If so who does that go to? If I haven't listed it, what else do I need to worry about? I probably could do a lot of research to find these answers. I think that receiving them directly will make more sense.
You can patent the source code of a game. You can trademark the name. If you make profits, you need to pay taxes on the profits (less your expenses, of course.) You should get an accountant to help you with this issue, and others relating to running an online business (i.e. sales taxes.)
you MIGHT be able to patent the source code. You CAN copyright the source code. You MIGHT be able to trademark the name if it is unique enough.