Martin L. Shoemaker wrote:
But Martin, patents and copyrights are two different things.But now let's take a more obscure mathematical construct, one where I'm listed on the patent as an inventor
If I came up with a novel game mechanic (like, oh, that chip system in Deadlands) and I wanted to protect it, I could take out a patent on it--just like WotC did with the novel rules of Magic.
Patents and Copyright are two different areas of law; about the only similiarites they have are that they have the same enabling clause, and the same rationale behind them.
IANAL, but it seems to be that if it can be patented, it can't be copywritten (copyrighted?)--and if it can be copywritten, it can't be patented. Thus, characters and game systems--which can't be patented--can be copywritten, though their component parts (trademarkable names and logos, and patentable mechanics) are only protected in arrangements very similar to the original game--just like compilations of uncopyrightable words are protected as a single work.
(and as is common in corporate life, I signed over my interest for a dollar -- so that puts me 63 cents ahead of Doug).
Nah, we're tied. I found a bunch of change under my couch, remember?. ;) DM _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
