There Can Be Only One!!

[Michael Morris]

Every so often I do a google vanity search using proper nouns from the Dusk setting. I used "Dusk d20" as a search term and this popped up.

http://www.xs4all.nl/~dragon76/tw2000d20/

I have sent a polite letter requesting a name change - I've had the Dusk trademark as it relates to RPG's registered in my home state since 1998. The name is just too close, even if it is in a different genre of d20, it's still a d20 game. Having two "Dusk" settings is having one too many. Hopefully this can be resolved peacefully (i.e. without lawyers). Who knows?

 

[Maldur]

WOW thats very close, hope they stop using that name!

It seems unlikely that they wouldn't know about Your "dusk".

 

[Michael Morris]

I think they got the name because their site is an unauthorized d20 conversion of the Twilight 2000 game (or at least was). Dusk is the closest synonym to twilight, therefore...

 

[Saeviomagy]

My god. It's so terrible that someone else makes use of a common, single word to name something.

I mean, we can't have that, can we.

In other news, the creators of the c programming language have desided to start prosekuting anyone kaught using their trademarked name.

 

[Oni]

There is little point in having a trademark, if your not going to defend it. It helps prevent product confusion, and should Mr. Morris ever decide to publish his Dusk setting down the road, what he chooses to do now could have a major impact. It's not any different than if WotC asked someone not to name their product Forgotten Realms. If you don't look after yourself, who will?

 

[Saeviomagy]

Well, actually my post was more a protest over the whole sillyness of the current state of trademarks in general, rather than a specific stab at Mr. Morris.

I mean I could see the point in trademarking a particular look for the logo, or in trademarking the name plus a tagline, but I can't really understand how a single, common use word falls under the following definition:

From the Oxford English Dictionary
a. A mark (secured by legal registration or, in some countries, established by use) used by a manufacturer or trader to distinguish his goods from similar wares of other firms; usually a distinctive device or figure, a fancy name or trade name, or the name of an individual or firm, marked or impressed on the article or upon the package, etc., in or with which it is sold.

 

[megamania]

Oni is correct. You need to look into this and contact them. If you continue to allow it and later it is proven you ignored it , it could negate your rite to that name (I think...I'm no lawyer) being trademarked by anyone.

 

[The It's Man]

My god. It's so terrible that someone else makes use of a common, single word to name something.

I mean, we can't have that, can we.

In other news, the creators of the c programming language have desided to start prosekuting anyone kaught using their trademarked name.

- Yes I'm sorry I can't say the letter 'B'.
C?
- Yes that's right. It's all due to a trauma I suffered when I was a spoolboy. I was attacked by a bat.
- A cat?
No a bat.
- Can you say the letter 'K'?
Oh yes, Khaki, king, kettle, Kuwait, Keble Bollege Oxford.
- Why don't you say the letter 'K' instead of the letter 'C'?
What you mean.....spell bolour with a K?
- Yes
Kolour. Oh that's very good, I never thought of that what a silly bunt.

 

[jaerdaph]

Just a little friendly advice, meant with all good intentions - this is the sort of thing you should probably keep to yourself and not post on a public message board, especially if legal action might be required.

Edited and sent to Michael privately.

 

[Sixchan]

The site hasn't been updated in a few months. I wonder if its still going?