Legallity of Reproducing Forgotten Realms Map - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Legallity of Reproducing Forgotten Realms Map

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
razzmir
Mar 29, 2010 13:16:37
Greetings forum goers,

I am posting to inquire as to the legality of reproducing the Forgotten Realms world map. The map would not be identical to the one included 4E realm book but would be as close to it as possible.

The product that i wish to create would be for fiscal gains so I’m worried about copyright and trademark infringement.

If someone could point me in the right direction or give me a definitive answer that would be awesome.

Thanks!
#2
sfdragon
Mar 29, 2010 13:39:52 fisical??? meainng making money of it?
if thats so, then you will get a cease and desist email....
#3
razzmir
Mar 29, 2010 13:59:26 Yes the goal would be to create a product for FR gamers using a Map of the realms that could be sold.
#4
The_Silversword
Mar 29, 2010 14:37:18 If you was giving the map away free it wouldnt be a problem, but if you charge money, Wizards would then have a problem, unless you was workin for them, in which case you would probably recieve a flat rate for your work, then they would be the ones selling it.
#5
razzmir
Mar 29, 2010 14:41:27 Thanks for the reply.

What if it was a custom drawing of the forgotten realms map that was an accurate representation of the canon world, would that still infringe on their copyright/trademark?

#6
The_Silversword
Mar 29, 2010 14:53:14
Yes they would still have a problem, they dont mind fanwork, like art or maps or stuff like that, but once you start askin for money for it, then they have a problem. Id say go ahead with it, if its really good they might work something out with you. Im very interested to see what you got planned as well, Im a sucker for maps of the Realms, I recently just bought a bunch of maps off of ebay, no sourcebooks, just the maps. Id love to see the new maps done like they did in 1-2e, it was alot easier to find things, with new map, with all of Faerun on onmap, it makes it look so small and I need a magnifying glass to find anything.
#7
razzmir
Mar 29, 2010 15:14:51 Ive done some research into the GSL and it seems like if i become a licensee and get written permission from WoTC i could use their imagery.

The product im developing would be a great tool for DM's and players and would simplify travel, time keeping, and increase world immersion. As someone who DM's and plays in FR i wish something like this was already available. I wish i could say more now, but i feel like this product may actually be something that may catch on.
#8
johnkretzer
Mar 29, 2010 15:16:56
Thanks for the reply.

What if it was a custom drawing of the forgotten realms map that was an accurate representation of the canon world, would that still infringe on their copyright/trademark?

I would say that yes they would be very much upset and resort to leagle actions.

But it is a good idea as I don't know anybody who likes the 4e FR map. You just have to go through them to do so.
#9
Caolin
Mar 29, 2010 22:57:52
Ive done some research into the GSL and it seems like if i become a licensee and get written permission from WoTC i could use their imagery.

The product im developing would be a great tool for DM's and players and would simplify travel, time keeping, and increase world immersion. As someone who DM's and plays in FR i wish something like this was already available. I wish i could say more now, but i feel like this product may actually be something that may catch on.

From knowing some of the history of fans developing product for the Realms, it only ever works out well for them in the end if they do it for free. If you do a good job and people start using it, WOTC might be inclined to work with you in the future. I believe Brian James got started this way with his Grand History of the Realms (am I correct on this one?) But if you go straight to them with your idea, you will most likely be turned down. The reason being is that legally they cannot have any knowledge of your ideas in the off chance that they produce something very similar to your idea. This would open them up to a legal suit which they would like to avoid. This is why most companies will not accept or even open ideas or designs from outside of the company.

With all of that being said, there might be a possibility in their Novel Writers Guidline:

www.wizards.com/Dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/w...

Since this is not a novel...I'm assuming....I don't know if this link pertains to your situation however. This is my two cents from someone who works in the entertainment industry.

#10
dropthembones
Mar 31, 2010 6:30:10 Really this is simple. You are taking their IP and even though you are redrawing it it is still all their property. Then you want to sell it and are not even thinking that you would have to pay them?

At best you would get a cease and desist. At worst they sue over potential damages.
#11
Seeker95
Mar 31, 2010 6:56:56 Forget what anyone on this thread is saying. There is only one thing you need to do to pursue your dream of making money on D&D: Get an attorney.
#12
ignis_fatuus
Apr 02, 2010 19:30:24 Maybe you could also try to send in a pitch for an article in dungeon magazine?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 razzmir Mar 29, 2010 13:16:37	Greetings forum goers, I am posting to inquire as to the legality of reproducing the Forgotten Realms world map. The map would not be identical to the one included 4E realm book but would be as close to it as possible. The product that i wish to create would be for fiscal gains so I’m worried about copyright and trademark infringement. If someone could point me in the right direction or give me a definitive answer that would be awesome. Thanks!
#2 sfdragon Mar 29, 2010 13:39:52	fisical??? meainng making money of it? if thats so, then you will get a cease and desist email....
#3 razzmir Mar 29, 2010 13:59:26	Yes the goal would be to create a product for FR gamers using a Map of the realms that could be sold.
#4 The_Silversword Mar 29, 2010 14:37:18	If you was giving the map away free it wouldnt be a problem, but if you charge money, Wizards would then have a problem, unless you was workin for them, in which case you would probably recieve a flat rate for your work, then they would be the ones selling it.
#5 razzmir Mar 29, 2010 14:41:27	Thanks for the reply. What if it was a custom drawing of the forgotten realms map that was an accurate representation of the canon world, would that still infringe on their copyright/trademark?
#6 The_Silversword Mar 29, 2010 14:53:14	Yes they would still have a problem, they dont mind fanwork, like art or maps or stuff like that, but once you start askin for money for it, then they have a problem. Id say go ahead with it, if its really good they might work something out with you. Im very interested to see what you got planned as well, Im a sucker for maps of the Realms, I recently just bought a bunch of maps off of ebay, no sourcebooks, just the maps. Id love to see the new maps done like they did in 1-2e, it was alot easier to find things, with new map, with all of Faerun on onmap, it makes it look so small and I need a magnifying glass to find anything.
#7 razzmir Mar 29, 2010 15:14:51	Ive done some research into the GSL and it seems like if i become a licensee and get written permission from WoTC i could use their imagery. The product im developing would be a great tool for DM's and players and would simplify travel, time keeping, and increase world immersion. As someone who DM's and plays in FR i wish something like this was already available. I wish i could say more now, but i feel like this product may actually be something that may catch on.
#8 johnkretzer Mar 29, 2010 15:16:56	Thanks for the reply. What if it was a custom drawing of the forgotten realms map that was an accurate representation of the canon world, would that still infringe on their copyright/trademark? I would say that yes they would be very much upset and resort to leagle actions. But it is a good idea as I don't know anybody who likes the 4e FR map. You just have to go through them to do so.
#9 Caolin Mar 29, 2010 22:57:52	Ive done some research into the GSL and it seems like if i become a licensee and get written permission from WoTC i could use their imagery. The product im developing would be a great tool for DM's and players and would simplify travel, time keeping, and increase world immersion. As someone who DM's and plays in FR i wish something like this was already available. I wish i could say more now, but i feel like this product may actually be something that may catch on. From knowing some of the history of fans developing product for the Realms, it only ever works out well for them in the end if they do it for free. If you do a good job and people start using it, WOTC might be inclined to work with you in the future. I believe Brian James got started this way with his Grand History of the Realms (am I correct on this one?) But if you go straight to them with your idea, you will most likely be turned down. The reason being is that legally they cannot have any knowledge of your ideas in the off chance that they produce something very similar to your idea. This would open them up to a legal suit which they would like to avoid. This is why most companies will not accept or even open ideas or designs from outside of the company. With all of that being said, there might be a possibility in their Novel Writers Guidline: www.wizards.com/Dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/w... Since this is not a novel...I'm assuming....I don't know if this link pertains to your situation however. This is my two cents from someone who works in the entertainment industry.
#10 dropthembones Mar 31, 2010 6:30:10	Really this is simple. You are taking their IP and even though you are redrawing it it is still all their property. Then you want to sell it and are not even thinking that you would have to pay them? At best you would get a cease and desist. At worst they sue over potential damages.
#11 Seeker95 Mar 31, 2010 6:56:56	Forget what anyone on this thread is saying. There is only one thing you need to do to pursue your dream of making money on D&D: Get an attorney.
#12 ignis_fatuus Apr 02, 2010 19:30:24	Maybe you could also try to send in a pitch for an article in dungeon magazine?