> Thanks for the assist.
And thank you for not having a knee-jerk reaction to the advice to get a
lawyer. I'm always afraid I will offend people with that advice; but I fear
for people who risk money or time on OGC without the counsel of an attorney.
> Actually, I have read the SRD but I did not see
> mention of specific things that were OK to reference and which are not.
That's in the STLG, sort of: a list of defined terms which may only be used
as defined, and some other restrictions.
> For example, let's say I wanted to refer the reader to a specific
> book, such
> as "See page 29 of the Dungeon Masters' Guide(tm), published by Wizards of
> the Coast..." In your opinion (or anyone else who cares to
> respond), would
> that generally fall under the SRD? Based on the published 3rd party games
> and supplements that I have seen, it would seem OK, but you never know.
My opinion (only!): there was a lot of discussion and I think a general
consensus that this violates the trademark restrictions of the OGL.
According to OGL, trademarks not owned by you may only be used in OGC in
ways approved in a separate license; and the D20 STL does not license you to
refer to the D&D books other than in two phrases:
"Requires the use of the Dungeons & Dragons(R) Player's Handbook, Third
Edition, published by Wizards of the Coast(R)"
and:
"Dungeons & Dragons(R) and Wizards of the Coast(R) are Registered Trademarks
of Wizards of the Coast, and are used with Permission."
Beyond those two phrases, any mention of the books by name is a violation.
You can allude to them and use euphemisms, but you cannot name them.
Ryan also expressed concern that the specific page numbers may change in
future printings. He recommended more general references. Also realize that
if it's in the SRD and the SRD ever gets released as OGC, you are free to
reprint the relevant sections of the SRD.
Hope this helps!
Martin L. Shoemaker
Martin L. Shoemaker Consulting, Software Design and UML Training
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.MartinLShoemaker.com
http://www.UMLBootCamp.com
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