From: | Matb <mbreton@**.NETCOM.COM> |
---|---|
Subject: | Re: WotC's CCG patent and FASA |
Date: | Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16:55:35 -0800 |
> >FASA has not purchased a lisence from WotC for the SRTCG, because AFAIK they
> >are NOT using any of these unique elements.
> Actually, I would contend that the SRTCG does include some elements of
> M:tG, such as card turning and the mana/nuyen point system. Apparently,
> Wizards of the Coast agrees with that assessment.
Actually, you'd have to examine the patent at length to determine
whether any particular game falls under its sway. The claim to, say,
turning, is actually composed of several different features; if a game
can prove that at least one of its elements falls outside those bounds
(and do the same for the other claims within the patent) then it's
kosher.
I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not FASA's lawyer, but I assume they're
drawing on two different aspects of the game to flout these particular
claims:
- Locations/Contacts are not turned in the act of using, and can be used
multiple times within a single turn (which is actually prohibited in
MtG).
- No card is turned or used to bring another into play (which is the nub
of MtG's mana-cost system).
> WotC asked/demanded? that the CCG companies sign licensing agreements with
> them by the end of 1997. Here's the scorecard:
> Of the leading CCG manufacturers, only one, Harper/Prism which makes the
> Aliens/Predator and the Imajica CCGs, has signed on. WotC either designed
> or owns the publisher for Battletech, Dune and L5R.
Ix-nay. WotC owns the *license* to Battletech (which uses the
Deckmaster system, owned by WotC), but the intellectual material -- card
names and, iirc, artwork -- are FASA's. There is no other relationship
between FASA and WotC. (And again, I think Battletech is a safety as
far as the Shadowrun Card Game is concerned -- WotC makes money off of
Battletech, so if they try and squeeze FASA for SRTCG, they essentially
shoot themselves in the foot.)
-Matt
------------------------------------
Beware the man who casts two shadows.
GridSec: SRCard / Wolf in Shepherd's Clothing
Teen Poets FAQ: http://pw1.netcom.com/~mbreton/poetry/poetfaq.htm
SRTCG Website: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/2189/ccgtop.htm