I really like the statblock format that shows up in recent Dungeon magazines - it's excellently convenient and very usable. I'd like to know, is it permitted for a third-party author (such as a PDF publisher) to use this statblock format in their own works, or does Wizards of the Coast hold exclusive legal right to use it in their own products?
Can WotC do that -- hold a copyright on a specific arrangement of non-trademarked words?
Serious question.
Jack
(I hope the answer is no, and that we can use the stat block freely)
No they can't, or at least they haven't. I already know of at least one other company who have started using the new and improved stat-blocks.
Can WotC do that -- hold a copyright on a specific arrangement of non-trademarked words?
I think you can patent it...
It is an improved way to display certain information (NPC stats in this case).
intresting question, though.
Can WotC do that -- hold a copyright on a specific arrangement of non-trademarked words?I think you can patent it...
It is an improved way to display certain information (NPC stats in this case).
intresting question, though.
You probably CAN patent it, but patents, unlike copyrights, are exceedingly expensive.
I tend to doubt that WotC has bothered with a patent for the stat block arrangement... and if they had patent information would appear in the books, and I haven't seen it.
- Ashavan
Whether or not they can claim copyright on the new statblocks, I'm also wondering if WotC/Paizo actually mind people doing so. Is it something they really want to keep for themselves? Are they all too happy to let everyone else share their time-saving idea? Do they have no opinion either way?
(Perhaps one of the staff members can tell us?)
Creative Director
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Whether or not they can claim copyright on the new statblocks, I'm also wondering if WotC/Paizo actually mind people doing so. Is it something they really want to keep for themselves? Are they all too happy to let everyone else share their time-saving idea? Do they have no opinion either way?
(Perhaps one of the staff members can tell us?)
I personally have no problem with anyone using the new stat block. And I don't see how WotC can have a problem with it either.