I'm preparing my first three d20 offerings for distribution, and I've hit a
snag that I *think* falls squarely on the spirit of 'fair use' but is just
as clearly a violation of the d20 stl. I was hoping there was a reasonable
way to resolve this.
In the preface of on of my documents, I would like to write a few words
about the d20 System itself, how it relates to my product, and why I am
using it rather than creating a 'fan' work. I have no desire to boost my
product by claiming compatibility with D&D or Star Wars, nor am I planning
on drawing any lines between myself and Wizards of the Coast. I just want
to make some general observations and comments about the industry, the
nature of gaming, how we came to have the d20 System, and what it means to
the players who want to use it. Basically I want to spend a few words to
promote the Open Gaming concept generally, and the d20 System specifically.
I'm having a hard time doing that without referring to Wizards of the Coast
and a certain person responsible for creating the D20 SRD.
Since these trademarks are PI according to the D20 STL, I can't use them at
all without a separate agreement. Is there any legal way around this, or do
I simply have to cut this material from my Preface and move on? Is it
possible and/or desirable that Wizards grant explicit permission for this
type of usage within an D20 STL/OGC document, or is the risk of abuse simply
too great?
-Brad
