Re: mud copyright

Subject: Re: Re: mud copyright

Comments:
: : There is a MUD (multi-user dimension) game, where the owner of the game says that an unauthorized forum that discusses his game is in violation of his copyright. : : The forum doesn't post any direct copies of things in the game onto their site, but does refer to the game, and answers user's questions about how to do certain things within the game. Because the owner of the site doesn't want this information available, he says the forum is violating his "intellectual property." The moderators of the forum say they are within their 1st amendment rights to free speech, because they are simply discussing the game in question. : : I was wondering if there were any ideas as to who is right in this debate. : Dear Mr. Nies, : From what I understand what you have said, it seem as if the moderators are correct. : The copyright protects the intellectual expression created by the author and only prevents unauthorized copying of the expression. : The rules of the game if written, can be "used" by any reader. It is my belief that even a rexpression of those rules might not be a copyright infringement. : If the rules for playing chess were set out, and copyrighted by the first creator off the game, anyone could play the game and discuss the moves and use different words or modes of expression so that the game could be used and played by others without copyright infringment. : Some games may be patented. In which case the essence of the game might be protected. With a patent, a much more specific and complex analysis would be required. : A whole picture must be had to also consider the trademark law and the law of unfair competition to have an actual clarity, rather than this speculative abstaction of law. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop (sm) : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive

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