Once again I am baffled with the extent GW goes to protect its trademark. The latest case is against the author M.C.A.Hogarth.
The author wrote a novel called Spots the Space Marine, and believe it or not, GW are claiming a "common law trademark claim" over the phrase Space Marine. Why? Because they claim that their entry into digital publishing gives them this right.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, could not have said it better when they stated that it was "absurd" for the firm to claim ownership of the phrase and its use in literature. I agree completely. If Mrs Hogarth had used the term Adeptus Astartes, I would not have been so sympathetic with her, but this is not the case.
The terms Space Marine and power armour have been common sci-fi staple for a very long time. Way before GW got thier greedy clutches on it. Not to mention that GW have copied many concepts from other notable genres themselves. From where I stand, GW are showing themselves for the gluttonous hypocrites they are. They are taking this too far, and too the detriment of all the sci-fi community. Defending your trademark is one thing, hijacking a generic term is another.
SHAME ON YOU Games Workshop - SHAME!
My sympathies and prayers are with you Mrs Hogarth. If you decide to fight this out, please know that you are doing a great service for all sci-fi devotees.
Here are some links to other articles on this matter here, here and here. Also please go to Mrs Hogarths blog and show your support here.
I love the worlds of Warhammer, especially the universe of 40K, but if GW starts bullying every author who uses these terms, then science fiction in general will suffer because of it. This has to stop!
LONG LIVE THE FREEDOM OF IDEAS!
The rant is over. Let us all hope for better things in the future.
Farewell and good health
NR