[Freeciv-Dev] Re: Fantasy nations in contrib/nations

[Daniel Markstedt <himasaram@xxxxxxxx>]

On 2005-10-21, at 08.46, Per Inge Mathisen wrote:

> On Wed, 19 Oct 2005, Jason Dorje Short wrote:
> > > > If not, they should not be included for copyright and trademark 
> > > > reasons.
> > > According to discussion in RT#10206, using of copyrighted names in
> > > Freeciv would fall under Fair Use. As is the case with all Tolkien 
> > > nations.
> > Names can't be copyrighted. The trademarked names (like Frodo) we do
> > not use.
> Imaginary characters, nations and their likeness can fall under 
> copyright,
> AFAIK.  So "Frodo Baggins" as a character might be under copyright, as
> would a "Fremen" nation that it is clear comes straight out of the Dune
> books.
>
> I think adding more of these dubious nations is a very, very bad idea.
> There is _no_ reason for us to take this risk.
>
>   - Per
But still, as long as we don't infringe on related trademarks, there 
can come no harm from this. I understand your concerns, though.
As you say, Tolkien nations are already quite problematic. I checked 
the US trademark database, and found "Hobbit" and "Mordor" to be 
trademarked for use specifically in video games. No mention of 
"Dunedain"; and "Elves" is a common enough term to be safe to use. IMO, 
Hobbit and Mordor nations should be renamed or possibly removed. 
Tolkien-derived work is big business these days...
"Frodo Baggins", "Sauron" etc are indeed trademarked, but only for use 
on printed matter, toys etc. Ought to fall under 'Fair use' in Freeciv.
Daniel