> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of > Doug Meerschaert > Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 11:38 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [Ogf-l] d20 and Subabilties > > But Martin, patents and copyrights are two different things.
Clearly. But I was trying to demonstrate that there's a range of creativity levels in ideas, and that some people might be justified in trying to protect some ideas even if other ideas weren't protectable. > 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. I hope this never becomes common. Much as I hate the vagueness of copyrights (patents are a lot more precise), the twisted nature of patent law puts patents beyond the budget of small operators. My preference, of course, is a low-entry-fee alternative that resolves the ambiguities one way or another, and then invites people to share in that resolution (and the opportunities) or find another avenue. In other words, I prefer the OGL. > > (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?. ;) I missed that one. Of course, I spent my dollar back in 1993, when the company folded. Fat lotta good that patent did... Martin L. Shoemaker Martin L. Shoemaker Consulting, Software Design and UML Training [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.MartinLShoemaker.com http://www.UMLBootCamp.com _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
