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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Psionicist" data-source="post: 2510942" data-attributes="member: 1874">Yes, but now you're assuming the large company filed the patent _and_ invented the idea (not that "invent" and "idea" are two words you should use in the same sentence...).What if I code something for Linux, something blatantly obvious. And then Microsoft patents the idea a couple of years later, despite my prior art (this happens all the time). Then they use their patents in anti-Linux campaigns, claiming that Linux "possibly infringe on thousands of our patents and we can't guarantee your small companys safety if you use their un-american product". What can I do about it? Even If I get a lawyer, Microsoft's Army Of Undead will just out-lawyer me. And they still have lots of patents that will be left unchallanged. Even if I get the rights to my patent Microsoft will figure out something so they don't have to give me a dime.Apply this to the RPG industry. Hasbro/WotC are probably wealthy enough to file lots of patents despite prior art. Even if they don't actually enforce the patents you have the fear, uncertainty and doubt as a smaller publisher. What IF they will try to enforce the patents? Can you afford to stay days in court to defend yourself? What about your day job and family? What if a really successful RPG created by a small company threatens WotC's D&D sales? They have the patents and they can probably use them, even if they will lose a few of the battles.</blockquote>

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