Publishing names

[borble]

Am I allowed to publish just names of monsters from none srd? That is, say, the Radiant dragon (Dragonomicon), or say the Brainstealer dragon (Dragon 337)?
thanks
ben

 

[TheLe]

Am I allowed to publish just names of monsters from none srd? That is, say, the Radiant dragon (Dragonomicon), or say the Brainstealer dragon (Dragon 337)?
thanks
ben

From my understanding, you can only use the names if they have been declared as OGC in those respective publications.

It's safer not to.

`Le

 

[BLACKDIRGE]

From my understanding, you can only use the names if they have been declared as OGC in those respective publications.

It's safer not to.

`Le

Or if they fall under public domain.

For instance, WoTC cannot prevent you from using Pazuzu, Orcus, Dagon, or any other real-world mythological names. But I would say the examples you posted are definitely pushing it.

BD

 

[borble]

but you can post it on the internet without fear, right?
thanks
ben

 

[Stormborn]

but you can post it on the internet without fear, right?
thanks
ben

That depends. In a thread like this one? Sure, thats not publishing. On a small site for your homegame? Probablly fine. Anything else might be pushing it. Certainly including it in anything that is intended for sale or in materials for a for-profit company even if those are not for sale are right out.

 

[Morrus]

Am I allowed to publish just names of monsters from none srd? That is, say, the Radiant dragon (Dragonomicon), or say the Brainstealer dragon (Dragon 337)?
thanks
ben

It depends what you mean by the word "publish". What do you mean by the world "publish"?

 

[Alzrius]

I think publishing the names falls into a very "iffy" category. Strictly speaking (I am not a lawyer) I don't believe a term like "radiant dragon" can by copyrighted, because those aren't proper names, and aren't intellectual property. Things like "Mordenkainen," however, are.

Again, this is just my thoughts on the subject, don't mistake this for any kind of well-researched and/or legal advice.

 

[borble]

thanks all, i think ill just cut it out then, i pitty publishers
ben

 

[Marius Delphus]

The way I understand things, when publishing with the d20 License or Open Gaming License, it doesn't matter whether the name itself is trademarked (names can't be copyrighted). What matters is whether the name has been released as Open Game Content.

No portions of the Draconomicon or Dragon #337 are Open Game Content.

[EDIT] Erm, also, what TheLe said. That'll teach me to read the whole thread. [/EDIT]