d20STL alternative

[Strutinan]

According to my lawyer (yes, I finally got one) using the terms "WotC" or "Wizards of the Coast" is a gray area. Normally it is a MAJOR no-no, but because they mandate the use of "Wizards of the Coast" in the OGL, it might be feasible to do so in other places of the document. However, it could ONLY be done in a referential manner (i.e. "compatible with the SRD published by Wizards of the Coast"), and even then they could sue over violation of TRADEMARK.

The problem comes in the courts. Because they themselves said to reefer to them via the OGL, they forgo the right to sue over references to them ove their copyrighted name. However, they state in the OGL that you CAN NOT USE "Wizards of the Coast" in the product, in the same legal breath that they state you MUST USE IT. It is this legal conundrum that could be used to win a court case if they decided to file suit.

Unfortunately it is at bes a 50/50 chance, and an expensive one at that! One that nobody who is affected by this issue could afford to persue :s

So in other words: no free advertising for WotC! best to keep hands-off.

However,m on the bright side, the following terms ARE NOT TRADEMARKED, and thusly could be used to indicate compatibility or in a logo:
d20 ("d20 system" is off-limits, not "d20")
SRD
System Reference Document
3.5 edition
3.0 edition

My suggestion is a industry-wide logo that plainly states: "d20 3.x SRD Compatible", with extra logos for subset content. Such as a "mature Themes" logo, "Sci-Fi" logo, "Fantasy" logo, ect.

 

[Strutinan]

As a side note: I really think that the OGF should be the ones holding the keys to this bright shining new future. However I think that we should ALL become "stock holders" in it!

Here is my idea: We all pitch in to cover the costs of trade-marking the new generic d20 SRD logo. The OGF files for the trade-mark, using their affore-mentioned d20 SRD Compatible license as the legal document that allwos use of the logo. You know the one I'm talking about, the revamped "no ass-holes will ever screw it up" version of the d20 STL.

Now, as contributors to the financial costs of doing so, we are all part owners of the new logo

 

[jmucchiello]

What I'm most interested in is a trademark that shows compatibility with the D&D system. Prometheus seems to show compatibility with their own brand of system (based on the D&D system). What we need is a compatibility with the SRD trademark. Does one of these exist?

Short Answer: Not yet.

Prometheus is the SRD (unchanged) with a chargen and xp system tacked on. The FGA (holders of the Prometheus trademark) are working on a new logo divorced from even these changes at this moment. (Well, maybe not this late at night.) The idea is create a base logo indicating compatibility with SRD compatible. SRD is not defined. Genre logos will point to local copies of the SRD for Fantasy, Modern, etc.

Patience. Please. It is far more important that they get it right the first time then they get it out the door fast.

 

[Wycen]

I think Joe Mucchiello has the right idea. Let's see what FGA, or someone like minded can do.

 

[azildurn]

I wasnt trying to be a dick (though I am a dick ). I just want to make sure that people refrain from adding to the confusion of a difficult and important issue. Spreading misinformation never helps.

Clark

I'm actually kinda disappointed Clark, a lawyer is supposed to be a dick. In fact I've picked my lawyers in the past by obnoxiousness. Come on do a better job and at least try.

All joking asside I think it's great that you're around to clear things up and help explain some of the more arcane and elitist stuff in the licenses.

Thanks for the help since I know you don't exactly get to bill the community or the boards and I'm sure that just like a software consultant, a lawyer billing is much happier than a lawyer donating.

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Bryan Copeland

Snarling Frog Productions
The Dalhazrin Project