Re: Let's create an OFFICIAL A2 Library!

[Roy and/or Janet Miller <millers@inetnebr.com>]

Arkain wrote:

> Maybe I stated it too concisely. Let me try again.
>
> The copyright of the game, i.e. the ability to distribute the game at will,
> can be released to the public domain without infinging on the intellectual
> property rights that cover the story, plot, elements, characters,
> terminology, etc...

I don't think so. The game in question would have been produced with a license
to use the intellectual property of the third party. Seems to me that the only
way the game could be released would be if it first were stripped elements that
are the intellectual property of the third party, and then what would you have?

Roy

> that is still held as valuable by a viable entity. In
> otherwords, just because I have the right to redistribute the PD version of
> the Star Trek game(hypothetical situation) doesn't mean that I have te right
> to produce another Star Trek game as a clone for this one. I'd still have to
> get permission from paramount for use of their characters, storylines, story
> elements, etc....
>
> Arkain
>
> Frank Townsend <ftownsen@iamdigex.net> wrote in message
> news:am%f5.247$Ib7.524477@dca1-nnrp1.news.digex.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.
> >
> >