Carcassonne Central

Carc Central Community => Crafters' Guild => Topic started by: CKorfmann on April 02, 2009, 11:29:20 am



Title: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: CKorfmann on April 02, 2009, 11:29:20 am
Has this question come up before?  I'd be surprised if it hasn't.  If someone had the time and resources to make the fan-made tile sets, what would the possibility be of being able to sell them?  I'm sure it would have to be approved by the tile creator (along with a little bit of profit sharing).  Also, there is the issue of the copyright on the "C".  My assumption would be that you could not sell any with the "C".  Making them for yourself is a different story I'm sure.  Someone like Novelty who has so many originals out there would undoubtedly have a strong opinion on this. 


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: Skull One on April 02, 2009, 11:37:36 am
The legal ramifications are huge actually.  Since a lot of the tiles use cut and paste of the roads, castles, etc.  The C alone would break several laws.  Assuming you are a US resident, RGG would send you a "cease and desist" letter as soon as they found out about it.


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: Gantry on April 05, 2009, 06:02:05 pm
I'd say so.  Likely get you into some hot water.


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: BaLaClavaAa on June 15, 2009, 12:01:53 pm
I don't think they would really mind, it's not harming them much (I mean how big a business would it become), and it encourages people into the game more.


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: Skull One on June 15, 2009, 05:06:16 pm
I don't think they would really mind, it's not harming them much (I mean how big a business would it become), and it encourages people into the game more.

They mind.  The only way you can win a copyright and/or trademark lawsuit is to show you have defended your copyrights and trademarks at all times.  If they allow someone one to knowingly make tiles that use copyrighted art work, copyrighted game mechanics or trademarked items, then it could be considered dilution of copyright and trademark.  Enough dilution occurs and they could lose trademarked items first and then copyrighted works second.  There is too much money being made by HiG and RGG for that to be allowed to happen by their lawyers.

The United States has some of the strictest laws concerning copyright and trademarks.  And the leading company that helps lobby for those laws is Walt Disney.  If you want some very dry but interesting reading, check into how Disney is constantly having the laws changed to protect Mickey Mouse as a copyrighted and trademarked item.


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: BaLaClavaAa on June 15, 2009, 09:59:13 pm
I don't think they would really mind, it's not harming them much (I mean how big a business would it become), and it encourages people into the game more.

They mind.  The only way you can win a copyright and/or trademark lawsuit is to show you have defended your copyrights and trademarks at all times.  If they allow someone one to knowingly make tiles that use copyrighted art work, copyrighted game mechanics or trademarked items, then it could be considered dilution of copyright and trademark.  Enough dilution occurs and they could lose trademarked items first and then copyrighted works second.  There is too much money being made by HiG and RGG for that to be allowed to happen by their lawyers.

The United States has some of the strictest laws concerning copyright and trademarks.  And the leading company that helps lobby for those laws is Walt Disney.  If you want some very dry but interesting reading, check into how Disney is constantly having the laws changed to protect Mickey Mouse as a copyrighted and trademarked item.

Oh wow lol, wasn't aware of that. I mean I know in DIY effects pedals they don't care, but hmm maybe they do here.


Title: Re: Selling fan-made tiles
Post by: wellidesigns on July 06, 2009, 03:11:48 am
I sure would love buying these fan made tiles..
specially like the forest collection (which is quite huge) or the sea (also a large set)
it take a lot of work and effort to make these tiles all by myself, and buying them would be much easier
It must be possible,I think
IK already bought some expansion sets from ebay, and the quality was very good too