There is a third possibility if one takes a longer term view. It's
entirely possible (albeit not probable) that in a few years there will
be another largish corporation in this market. If they aren't
signatories to the d20 STL then there is nothing to stop them from
slapping some kind of d20 logo on their work (possibly not _the_ d20
logo as it is independently copyrighted artisitic expression) and
getting away with it.
Such an organization wouldn't be put off by the legal fees any moreso
than WotC would be. They would simultaneously benefit from whatever
boost in sales the d20 logo would afford them while also undermining the
d20 system by creating consumer confusion as to what they're getting
with a d20 product. And assuming the only legal issue was improper use
of the d20 logo, WotC would lose the case.
Clark Peterson wrote:
> Anthony asked:
>
> "But I have to ask, what type of person would do this?
> WOTC is essentially giving away something for free and
> only asking that it be used in a certain manner."
>
> Sevearal reasons:
>
> 1. Inexperience/Ignorance. There are some people who
> just dont know how or what to do. For example, Jamis
> Buck's generators use d20 content with no logo and
> even use Creature Collection content with no licence
> to do so from us. Most violations will come here,
> which is why friendly correction is so important. With
> Jamis, for example, I emailed him and he and I are
> working on getting him compliant and getting him a
> license to use our PI/copyrighted material.
>
> 2. Evil Anarchists. Many gamers are anarchists who
> hate being told what to do. They might try to break
> the rules just to spite the "evil corporation." Or, as
> Kal has threatened to do, might decide they are the
> self-appointed moral arbiter of how copyright and
> trademark "should" work and are going to "force
> content open." This sounds like the type of action you
> seem to be asking about. But hey, it has already been
> threatened by some (Kal) on this very list. So dont be
> too surpirsed...
>
> And you will definately hear "big evil company" if
> WotC is required to sue anyone.
>
> Clark
>
> =====
> http://www.necromancergames.com
> "3rd Edition Rules, 1st Edition Feel"
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
> http://auctions.yahoo.com/
> _______________________________________________
> Ogf-l mailing list
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
_______________________________________________
Ogf-l mailing list
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
