On the nature of copyrighted names and terms

[cmastah]

If a guy was writing a story involving named products like dungeons and dragons, could that cause issue (cause....you know...MAZES and MONSTERS instead of calling it DnD)? Could a character call out the system he plans on using in dialogue or is using the name going to be a problem? For instance a character asks the DM (another term I'm curious if I could use) what system they're going to play and then names a few.

What about using the names of spells and creatures from the manuals? (This wouldn't be a novel set in a fantasy world, it would revolve around actual gamers)

Any input from legal staff at paizo would also be greatly appreciated.

[zylphryx]

you probably won't get feedback from any legal staff from Paizo. Their job, after all, is to protect Paizo's legal interests, not everyone else's.

That said, I advise you check out the OGL (which you can find in any published Paizo product). Also check out the Community Use Policy on this site.

Also, aspects such as are you writing this for profit or for free distribution will have an impact on what you can and cannot do.

And, of course, when in doubt, contact your lawyer. They are paid to look out for your legal interests.

[LazarX]

cmastah wrote:

If a guy was writing a story involving named products like dungeons and dragons, could that cause issue (cause....you know...MAZES and MONSTERS instead of calling it DnD)? Could a character call out the system he plans on using in dialogue or is using the name going to be a problem? For instance a character asks the DM (another term I'm curious if I could use) what system they're going to play and then names a few.

What about using the names of spells and creatures from the manuals? (This wouldn't be a novel set in a fantasy world, it would revolve around actual gamers)

Any input from legal staff at paizo would also be greatly appreciated.

Using actual published novels with the kind of plot you seem to be talking about, that people paid real money for, as reference, the consensus is that doing so, is something to avoid. You're better off using fictional made up names for your games such as "Fiends and Forests", than using real names of games. (I'm giving that one away gratis.)

[cmastah]

Thanks guys, I suppose I can use a different name like lazarx suggested (and it is meant to be commercial). I actually thought Paizo was more lenient with using the name of their product (pathfinder) but wasn't sure whether or not that was the case (I went over their community use policy and I think it mentioned that my product can't be commercial if that was the case).