Legal Stuff

There are a host of issues related to the online distribution of material related to Dungeons and Dragons. This page attempts to cover the basics that affect this site.

AD&D Copyright and TSR

Awhile ago, TSR, Inc., made several claims on the Internet about the ownership and copyrights of various aspects of the AD&D games. A very complete introduction and commentary on this whole issue was written by James Vassilakos. It is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in free distribution of information on the Internet. And is especially relevant to those of us who write (and enjoy other's writings) extensions and suppliments to the various gaming systems.

Copyright Issues

As far as I can tell, from consulting with various lawyer-types in the publishing industry, the current incantations of the Net.Books I maintain are not in any violation of copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of TSR, Inc.

What should be pointed out is the works herein are game mechanics extentions, which cannot be copyrighted or trademarked, etc. While Parker Brothers owns the trademark Monopoly, they cannot copyright or trademark the rule that 3 doubles lands you in jail. Simillar concepts apply here.

Anyway, the main jist of this message is to make sure that no confusion about the contents of these Net.Books and other materials arises. I have given just credit to TSR (and others) where I have made reference to copyrighted works of theirs, and have avoided quotations to head off confusion. Whenever possible, I have attributed the source of material.

All material on this site is covered under the following personal copyright notice, disclaimer, et al.

ALL MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE ARE COVERED UNDER THE FOLLOWING COPYRIGHT.

All materials are the property of their author or publisher, as appropriate.

All pages and material not expressly labled otherwise are ©1992-1994,1996-1997 Erik Trimble. All rights reserved unless expressly given.

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their owners, and references thereof are not to be construed as a challenge thereto.

ALL MATERIALS ARE MADE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

1. All proper attribution of material must be maintained. If any section of any work is used or quoted in any context or medium, proper credit to the work in question must be made.
2. These compilations are copyright ©1993-1997 by the Editor, Erik Trimble. Individual entries are copyright ©1993 by their respective authors.
3. License is given to freely copy in any media, current or future, for personal use only.
4. These works may not be incorporated, in whole or part, into any commercial product for sale, except by prior arrangement with the Editor.
5. Reasonable fees to recover distribution costs may be charged when distributing on various media.
6. License to enhance, extend, or suppliment the current works is freely given, provided the entire resulting work is distributed under terms identical to these and all notices are maintained.

That's it!! No more legalese mumbo jumbo. Enjoy!