WotC's official (and maybe unofficial) stand on fan-use

[Marius Delphus]

I would vote against using WOTC's copyrighted artwork (or text) at all.

 

[Drkfathr1]

I honestly don't think they're that concerned with folks that are doing fan pages. Tracking their own home brew campaigns, offering your own house rules, etc, etc. Even if you use their trade dress and some of their artwork they probably won't blink an eye.

Unless you do something on that site for profit. If you offer a service or product of ANY kind, and use their artwork, rules, or trade dress, they are going to send a C&D (and in all fairness should).

Personal, not-for-profit fan use, is most likely just fine.

I would put a disclamier some where though stating that they do hold the copyright.

And all of this would be moot if they'd just offer up their dang fan guidelines! Sheesh!

 

[Dice4Hire]

It is probably a lot safer and easier for WOTC to make up their fan guidelines on the fly.

 

[Piratecat]

If you do use WotC art, be sure that you (a) credit it, (b) host it yourself, (c) use a lo-rez copy that links back to WotC's site, (d) take it down if they ask. Not great, but you want to point people towards them as easily as possible.

 

[Gulla]

Why not make your own art? especially if it's just in the STYLE of, but not actually having very specific WOTC stuff, it shouldn't be an issue
If your site is commercial, it's a big no-no to have any copyrighted stuff from other folks.

If I was able to make my own art this wouldn't be an issue

Håkon

 

[Sturtevant]

If you do use WotC art, be sure that you (a) credit it, (b) host it yourself, (c) use a lo-rez copy that links back to WotC's site, (d) take it down if they ask. Not great, but you want to point people towards them as easily as possible.

Very good advice that should be followed. Ideally, the answer is "don't". Use original art if you can. Of course most people don't do their own art. So if you must, use WotC art sparingly and under Piratecat's suggested guidelines.

 

[tomBitonti]

That's what I would do. The most likely think WotC will do is send a Cease and Desist letter if they feel like you are infringing (and its worth the lawyer's time to draft the letter), at which point you can remove the offending images.

That is perhaps not quite what will happen. (Or perhaps not ALL of what will happen.)

Also possible, WotC may contact the host and ask for the material to be removed. If you are not allowed to copy the material, neither is the host, and having the host remove the material is effective and expedient.

That would likely leave you gnashing your teeth, as not only the WotC images but also all of your fan material disappears in smoke.