All excellent points :). I was merely curious if anyone knew something
that I didn't, since I've been thinking of software game aids for 4e
as well.

Thanks!
Matt

On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 5:38 PM, azhrei_fje <azhrei_fje@...> wrote:
> --- In d20-xml@yahoogroups.com, "Matt Kendall" <matt_kendall@...> wrote:
>> Is the 4e GSL going to allow for software products? Or is DM Genie
>> generic enough that it doesn't need license support?
>>
>> Matt
>
> We won't know until the license is officially released. June 6th,
> wasn't it?
>
> There are multiple thoughts on this in the mean time. DM Genie is not
> attempting to conform to the 3.5E "d20" license, so it can include
> things like XP tracking and leveling up characters/creatures. So far,
> the 4E license is similar in that adherence to the license provides
> marketing benefits ("Yes, our product is compatible!") but restricts
> what is allowed to be implemented.
>
> At issue is the legal protection provided by copyright ("the
> expression of an idea") and paten ("a system or technique of doing
> something"). Their rules are covered by copyright which gives them
> the right to control derivative works, but the game rules themselves
> cannot be covered by copyright but only by patents. And they don't
> hold any patents on the game.
>
> And there appear to further legal hurdles involved on the
> international stage and the interpretation of some of the details
> involved in the above concepts.
>
> IANAL, but it seems to me that WotC would be opening a big can of
> worms to do more than send C&D letters. I can't imagine they would
> want to try such a case, either in front of a judge or in front of
> their fan base. But what do I know? Corporations do stupid things
> all the time...
>
>