So it would be OK to say “be careful when you enter the 2nd floor of the dungeon, there’s a clever trap that does this and that.” It wouldn’t be OK to open the book and read the description word for word. I liked The Last Jedi, come me.) However, you should avoid copying chunks of text or reproducing images.
This is more or less the same as posting a summary and review of the latest Star Wars movie (p.s.
DND BEHOLDER LAWSUIT FREE
You’re free to describe, discuss, or criticize any published content in any format that you like. If one were to do a written or video guide walking newbie DMs through an adventure like the starter set’s lost mine of Phandelver would there be any issues talking/writing about some of the content that happens in the adventure? Where is the line with discussing/sharing about paid adventure content? I received this question via direct message: I’ve picked a few to answer here – sorry if I can’t cover them all. The response was overwhelming, so thanks to everyone who participated. I went into Reddit’s Dungeons & Dragons forum and asked for IP-related questions. This includes written works, illustrations, video or audio content, you name it. But if you create your own content within the D&D universe (assuming you’re following the terms of WotC’s licenses, which are described below), you own that content. One more key point before we proceed: WotC owns all the officially-published D&D content. Examples of copyrights owned by WotC are the text of any official manuals, guidebooks, or modules that they publish.Ĭlick here for more info about copyrights As with trademarks, a copyright doesn’t have to be registered in order to be valid and legally protectable. Copyright protects the form of expression – the underlying ideas are not copyrightable. So when I say “trademark” I’m not specifically referring to registered trademarks.Ĭlick here for more info about trademarksĬopyright law protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as books, movies, songs, computer software, and works of visual art.
Note that a trademark can be registered by a government agency (in the U.S., that’s the United States Patent and Trademark Office – “USPTO”), but it doesn’t have to be registered in order for the owner to have certain legal rights.
Examples of trademarks owned by WotC are DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONSTER MANUAL, and the stylized “&” logo. Your trademarks tell the world that you are the source of the goods they are buying. This blog post is concerned mainly with two branches of IP law: trademarks and copyrights.Ī trademark can be a word, phrase, symbol, or anything that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods or services of one party from those of others. However, the game itself remains the intellectual property of Wizards of the Coast (“WotC” – the current publisher and official rights holder.) So whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore RPG (role playing game) enthusiast, what do you need to know about intellectual property in order to stay on the Lawful Good side of IP law? IP Basics Here’s a photo that I took while enjoying their offerings.) The community of D&D fans and players is now fully a part of the game. There are now countless D&D podcasts, live streams, blogs, and supplemental 3rd-party products (authorized and otherwise.) There’s even a D&D-themed brewery here in San Diego County ( BattleMage Brewing – check them out if you like nice folks and good beer. I’ve been digging back into the game as I teach it to my wife’s nephews. Dungeons & Dragons has exploded in popularity in recent years – it’s a different world compared to my experience in the late 80’s.
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