> Kal Lin
>
> I agree your "chain of derivation" interpretation is not without basis.
> I submit the "exclusive use of PI" interpretation is also a reasonable
> reading of the OGL text and, in my opinion, is the natural interpretation
> based on previous discussions of the clause.
We'll probably need a lawyer to figure out which is the correct
interpretation. That's what they're for. Caveat emptor.
> If you accept that WotC trademarks which don't appear anywhere in the
> SRD are intended to be protected then there is nothing requiring PI of
> the plot variety to be in a chain of derivation to receive the same
> protections.
I think 7 has changed since you last read it.
The OGL allows trademarks to be PI. It allows such marks to be used without
permission of their owners so long as you do not indicate compatibility or
co-adaptability. That will make it very hard to use any WotC marks (or any
RPG-industry marks) in OGC, because their very presence will likely
indication of some form of co-adaptability. However, it does not limit the
use of trademarks when no compatibility or co-adaptability is indicated, so
you can have a modern setting with "Ford" cars and "Colt" pistols.
The prohibition of use of trademarks applies specifically because they are
trademarks, not because they are PI, even though trademarks can be PI.
-Brad
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