On 9/28/00 2:24 PM, Brad Thompson ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) wrote
>Yes, I saw that too, but it doesn't say anything special. It depreciates
>itself by saying "According to the policy (above)", meaning that it is
>simply interpreting the policy. Then it says "you're not copying our text".
>That limits derivative works. The policy offers up about as much as Fair
>Use allows, so you aren't getting anything special there. Finally it says
>"you can use our properties". What does that mean? It could easily be
>referring to the online logos and text trademarks that were described in
>some detail in the policy. Those are certainly WotC property.
No, because a derivative work is not a copy. It is a work based upon
another copyrighted work. The right to create derivations IS protected,
but it is distinct from the right to create copies -- you can grant
rights for one without granting the other.
The logos are protected by clauses (2) and (3) in the same section you're
saying does not protect them.
>I think they have a LOT of wiggle room in this policy. It grants almost
>nothing while seeming to be very generous. It cleverly satisfies those who
>are of no harm to WotC (and whom WotC has no ill-will towards) while
>allowing them to shut down just about anything they don't like.
The wiggle-room is what would prevent them from suing someone sucessfully
for "violating" their online policy. That's why smart licenses are
written carefully, not broadly.
--
Russ Taylor (http://www.cmc.net/~rtaylor/)
CMC Tech Support Manager
"Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell
him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it."
-------------
For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
