Re: [Open_Gaming] The "conspiracy theorists"

[Justin Bacon]

Rogers Cadenhead wrote:

> As you can see, the term "d20 system" had meaning in the public domain prior to
> Wizards' use of it (even Wizards was using it generically). This would appear to
> preclude
> its use as a distinctive and unique trademark, at least to my thinking as a
> layman who
> has gone through the process of selecting and registering a mark with the
> U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Ryan and I had a big long go-around about this in rec.games.frp.industry.
Eventually, after much howling, it turned out WotC was only claiming a trademark to
the D20 logo -- not the term "D20 System". This would be perfectly legitimate.
Unfortunately, I notice that they are now claiming a trademark on the term "d20
System" itself. Which is, as you note, almost certainly illegitimate.

Justin Bacon
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

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