Re: Let's create an OFFICIAL A2 Library!

["Frank Townsend" <ftownsen@iamdigex.net>]

Yes and no.

True, trademark can be used to protect character *names*.

However, that copyright law also protects characters and narrative elements
has been shown in a number of court cases.  For example, Superman prevailed
over Wonderman in a 1940 case (Detective Comics v. Bruns).  Plots have also
been found found to infringe when detailed similarities were present
(Sheldon v. MGM).

But my point was that Paramount (and other copyright holders) would see such
a proposal as opening the door to dilute protection of their property
including trademarked character names as well as material protected by
copyright.  No way:  not going to happen.

Arkain wrote in message <39804963$1@hal.grnco.net>...

>The characters and story elements are protected by a different IP act. The
>game itself as a whole is what is copyrighted. The game can be released
from
>it's copyright without violation the IP priviliges of Paramount.