On Wed, 20 Feb 2002, Moses Wolfy Wildermuth wrote: > As strange as it sounds that makes sense, but in a similar vein, then they > could probably ask them not to use "free20" as a name for the system. > Sounds way too much the same.. means something similar.. could be > confusing.. Like McDonalds' standing challenge to all who were born with > the last name Mc'Anything. B20, C20, Be all you can Be 20, nothing will be > allowed to be connected to a game system that contains a 20 in the name?
Well, so far Wotc hasn't said word 1 - Ryan's just suggested that they should contact a trademark attorney before using any of the logos on the right side of the link Michael posted. Those are the ones that contain a stylized 20 in them. So yes, it is possible that WotC may challenge any use of the number 20 when used in a trademark associated rpg products. They are probably even more likely to challenge the use of a 20 when the products involve SRD based material. And McDonalds doesn't challenge any use of Mc___; just when it's done in the fast food restaurant business. Basically McDonalds argument is that in the fast food industry when someone uses a name Mc___, those people are trying to create business by associating themselves in some way with McDonalds. And McDonalds doesn't always win, but they do almost always try. > Sorry, I started musing during a serious discussion, but I suppose that's a > possibility. Yep, it's a definite possibility. But notice that no one has said that the logos or the Free20/Open20 names would be considered infringing. In fact no one has even said that WotC would actually challenge (altho some take statements like "you should consult an attorney" from Ryan as being an implied statement from WotC about what WotC would do) the logos. But since it's a possiblity, the Free20/Open20 group should probably either consult an attorney now (since that'd be cheaper than having to deal with a lawsuit later if WotC does challenge the logos) or move away from the logos which include the 20. alec _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
