OGL and copyright

[Moon-Lancer]

So lets assume i want to make my own adventure and I want to publish it. Lets say i want to take an adventure I ran and convert it so anyone could play it. Lets assume I used books like complete warrior and complete arcana. Is it possible to publish a npc with material from these books? If its not breaking copy write, how would i make it so its playable even if someone doesent have the book? what are the procedures for something like that, or is their a faq for something like that? Is it easier to just make up a class that would emulate the npcs abilities?

whats the line and how far can I go before that line is crossed? can I use the same gods in d&d but change their name? How do i keep myself from being sued?

thanks

 

[Crothian]

whats the line and how far can I go before that line is crossed?

The line is if it is in the on line SRD you can use it. Everything else like Complete Warrior are off limits.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

so, an npc stated out using more then just the srd is off limits then?

 

[Psion]

so, an npc stated out using more then just the srd is off limits then?

Unless it draws from some other open game content, such as that put out by third party publishers. Other than the SRD, wizards have very little OGC (open game content). Most books you speak of even go so far to explicitly state they lack such, just to make sure nobody gets confused.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

so if I was to make an adventure (and publish) and wanted a npc to have x ability, i should add a class or prc to do so rather then use a wotc splat book?

(edit)

 

[jgbrowning]

whats the line and how far can I go before that line is crossed? can I use the same gods in d&d but change their name? How do i keep myself from being sued?

thanks

You need to contact a copyright lawyer for such a complex question.

joe b.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

You need to contact a copyright lawyer for such a complex question.

joe b.

noooo!!! not my monie!!!!

 

[Psion]

I'm curious Joe: Do you employ a copyright lawyer?

Though the point that you should consult a lawyer for legal issues is well taken, I don't see too many small d20 publishers being able to shoulder extra lawyer fees.

I think it's a good idea to avoid publishing under the OGL if you do not have a good grasp on it. At one time, the OGL list was a good place for this. But I've seen some people make some pretty big mistakes by making assumptions. If you are serious about the OGL, learn what it means, and take a look at what people are doing with it already.

If you aren't willing or capable of doing that, might I recommend you consider submitting your adventure to Dungeon? They are obviously more stringent, but you shouldn't have to worry about whether or not you can use official resources.

 

[szilard]

so, an npc stated out using more then just the srd is off limits then?

This is actually a really interesting question. I'd have to read the OGL.

I mean, the word "Swashbuckler" isn't WotC's intellectual property.... and the stats of a fourth level Swashbuckler can be represented with things in the SRD (BAB. hp, saves, etc.).

My guess is that if you stat a npc out but don't include explanations of abilities not in the SRD (like the Swashbuckler's Grace) and include a reference on what book the npc is from, you'd be fine.

Don't consider this legal advice, though.

-Stuart

 

[Ourph]

This is actually a really interesting question. I'd have to read the OGL.

I mean, the word "Swashbuckler" isn't WotC's intellectual property

No, but it is WotC Product Identity. If you are making use of the info in the SRD you are going to be bound by the clause in the OGL that prevents you from using Product Identity without permission.

and the stats of a fourth level Swashbuckler can be represented with things in the SRD (BAB. hp, saves, etc.).

My guess is that if you stat a npc out but don't include explanations of abilities not in the SRD (like the Swashbuckler's Grace) and include a reference on what book the npc is from, you'd be fine.

You wouldn't be within the limits set by the OGL. However, you do have the ability to ask permission of WotC to reference their Product Identity. The whole purpose of the OGL is to help drive sales of WotC products, so if you really wanted to include a Swashbuckler NPC in your OGL product, the best thing to do would probably be to just ask WotC directly if you could include basic stat-block information and then direct the consumer to the appropriate WotC book for reference. I'm sure (if they gave permission) you'd have to include some language about the info being "used by permission" but it seems to me that the PI clause wasn't necessarily included in the OGL to absolutely prevent anyone else from using WotC PI, but to give WotC some control over how and where that information gets used. Otherwise the OGL doesn't fulfill its purpose of driving WotC booksales as efficiently as it could.

The WotC Licensing Department is the place to contact to ask permission to use PI.