[Freeciv-Dev] Re: (PR#14538) Freeciv policy on fictional nations needed

[Christian Knoke <chrisk@xxxxxxxxx>]

Daniel Markstedt wrote on Jan 14, 21:14 (-0800):
> > [bdunstan149@xxxxxxxxx - Fri Nov 04 19:30:55 2005]:
> > 
> > On the other hand, in online playing you'll find a lot
> > of "middle earth" civs.  Is there some kind of legal
> > risk that outweighs the benefit it brings to users of
> > the game?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> Well, the particular risk is the risk of a cease-and-desist letter from
> the ME trademark holders (Tolkien Enterprises, if I'm not mistaken).
> Removing the ME content from Freeciv is a preemptive move as to avoid
> their attention. IMHO Freeciv should avoid such attention at all costs,

Up to here, I agree fully.

There is a financial risk (attorney fees etc) at this point.

> since it's in most respects a clone of a game franchise that still is
> very much 'alive'.

No, Freeciv only uses some ideas of Civilization, and is different in many
aspects.

> I've also heard reports that Dunedain is the most or one of the most
> played nations on pubserver. But on the other hand, we have loads of new
> 'real' nations with some really good looking flags lined up for the next
> release.

Yes, we can very well do without MiddleEarth.

Christian

-- 
Christian Knoke            * * *            http://cknoke.de
* * * * * * * * *  Ceterum censeo Microsoft esse dividendum.