Re: Infocom Sample Transcript Games


18 Dec 1995 11:34:38 -0500

In article <B2o0FD1w200w@alcyone.darkside.com>,
Erik Max Francis <max@alcyone.darkside.com> wrote:
}mol@marvin.df.lth.se (Magnus Olsson) writes:
}
}> I don't think Graham asked for permission. "Balances" is a *pastiche*
}> of a sample transcript. We must distinguish that from creating a game
}> that starts out *exactly* like one of Infocom's sample transcripts,
}> which I think is what was discussed.

}Yes. Unfortunately, this is a pretty clear-cut case of copyright
}infringement.

}> Honestly, I don't think Activision will sue anyone for writing games
}> in, say, the Enchanter universe.
}
}But they could if they were so inclined; such a game would be a
}derivative work, and such an unauthorized work would be subject to
}copyright infringement.

There is a loophole: Fair use by parody.

As for the rest of it: I'm tempted to say stuff it. There's so much
that's copyrighted and patented and trademarked that you might as well
throw up your hands, do what you want, and hope you don't get sued.

-- 
Matthew T. Russotto      russotto@pond.com     russotto@his.com
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit
of justice is no virtue."