-----Original Message-----
From: Justin Bacon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Doug Meerschaert wrote:
>
>> >From: Justin Bacon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>
>> >Unfortunately, I notice that they are now claiming a trademark on the
term
>> >"d20
>> >System" itself. Which is, as you note, almost certainly illegitimate.
>>
>> Maybe...
>>
>> If you want, try and test it. Find a big pile of money and throw it at a
>> pack of lawyers to defend the lawsuit WotC throws at you for trademark
>> infringement and contract violation.
>>
>> Or, we can just recognize that WotC is an 800 lbs gorilla, and we can let
>> them sit where they want on the name of their open content.
>
>Ah, yes. The "let the bullies win" theory of life. More power to you, Doug.
Or,
>rather, less.
It is a sad truth that we live in a country where people's rights get
trampled over on a daily basis because of large corporations or other
organizations who have the money to hire the best lawyers. The little guy
tends to lose, suffer financial ruin in victory or settle out of court,
failing to achieve his goal but getting some compensation for his trouble.
Ideologically I agree with Justin, but Doug's statements reflect the reality
of the matter. I can't imagine that many established companies make enough
money to challenge WotC on this should it come to trial without risking
ruin. While I believe that a ruling that "d20 system" could not be
trademarked would benefit the gaming industry as whole, people are
ultimately in this business to make money, not out of a sense of altruism.
Myself, I don't see anyone pushing this point the thee foreseeable future.
Chris
www.IDrankWhat.org
www.coincidental.net
www.prodeath.org (Coming Soon)
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