d20 Modern SRD and Trade Dress

[Fast Learner]

In case you haven't seen it, the d20 Modern SRD has been released and can be found here:

http://www.wizards.com/D20/article.asp?x=msrd

Something pretty stunning at the top:

Modern system products need to adhere to the d20 Modern Trade Dress Statement.

(Warning: the Trade Dress Statement links to a PDF.) Looks like they're making a clear point to protect themselves this time (unlike the issue they had with FFG's covers, etc.).

Any thoughts? Reading through it, it doesn't seem like it's too restrictive.

 

[MythicJustice]

The people at Wizards of the Coast worked really closely with all the publishers to insure that while protecting the trade dress of d20 Modern they didn't restrict publishers unduly. We've had no problems adhering to the guidelines laid out in the document.

 

[digitaldark]

I didn't see anything there giving permission to state "This Product Requires the use of the d20 Modern Core Rulebook" on products... Did I just miss it? Is it not there? Will the existing d20 License possibly be updated with it?

 

[Fast Learner]

The people at Wizards of the Coast worked really closely with all the publishers to insure that while protecting the trade dress of d20 Modern they didn't restrict publishers unduly. We've had no problems adhering to the guidelines laid out in the document.

That's excellent news, I'm really glad to hear it.

 

[MythicJustice]

I didn't see anything there giving permission to state "This Product Requires the use of the d20 Modern Core Rulebook" on products... Did I just miss it? Is it not there? Will the existing d20 License possibly be updated with it?

Actually, those words are required to be on any book that uses d20 Modern material. I believe that WotC is updating the d20 License to explain that bit.

 

[Ranger REG]

Just to add that one item to the Mandatory Trademark Use section of the guide, it is awaiting approval by Wizards' Legal department right now. LOL.

I mean how hard it is to approve something like "Requires the use of d20 Modern(R) Core Books, published by Wizards of the Coast(R)" and "d20 Modern(R) and Wizards of the Coast(R) are Registered Trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, and are used with Permission"?

 

[digitaldark]

Just to add that one item to the Mandatory Trademark Use section of the guide, it is awaiting approval by Wizards' Legal department right now. LOL.

I mean how hard it is to approve something like "Requires the use of d20 Modern(R) Core Books, published by Wizards of the Coast(R)" and "d20 Modern(R) and Wizards of the Coast(R) are Registered Trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, and are used with Permission"?

Exactly!!...thats why I was so surprised it wasn't released or the d20 License updated today when they put up the d20 Modern SRD

now I know I'm not going blind and/or crazy..

 

[Blacksad]

Actually, those words are required to be on any book that uses d20 Modern material. I believe that WotC is updating the d20 License to explain that bit.

The trade Dress restriction, and other legal bits apply only to d20 license products, not OGL products like M&M, right?

 

[MythicJustice]

The trade Dress restriction, and other legal bits apply only to d20 license products, not OGL products like M&M, right?

Correct, though technically trade dress is something that courts will uphold irregardless of license. For instance, if you tried to start a fast food restaurant with a red M similar to McDonalds, they could sue you for trade dress (and probably trademark) violations. Of course, I am not a lawyer so do not listen to me for any legal advice.

 

[Ranger REG]

Exactly!!...thats why I was so surprised it wasn't released or the d20 License updated today when they put up the d20 Modern SRD

Hehehe. I'm sure it will be addressed soon.

But just out of curiosity, are there any third-party d20 Modern publishers putting out a d20 Modern product before Thanksgiving or the month of November?

I do know that Green Ronin will be releasing UMF in December.

Anybody want to compile a release schedule of d20 Modern products (Wizards and third parties) for the first three months?