Bryce here with a few words on all the litigious goings on in the hobby lately.
First of all, while Jack and I are attorneys this post does not constitute legal advice, if you have need of legal advice contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. The legal information I direct you to does not constitute legal advice, it is merely a posting of Games Workshop policy and is to be used at your own discretion.
This post does not create an attorney client relationship between the authors and members of the public, nor do the authors accept or acknowledge any liability in regards to use of the legal information posted below from Games Workshop's website.
Lately we wargamers have been seeing a lot of legal action around the hobby, whether the ongoing battle between GW and Chapterhouse, to the recent possible takedown of Faeit and BoLS. Even legal accusations between big name sites and the hobbyists who run them, Battlefoam going after TastyTaste (allegedly defamatory post here). We are seeing that our hobby is involved with more legal issues than most would even dream of.
So, here are a few highlights from GWs legal policies on their site.
1) IP Policy
"BE AWARE that we will happily spend money bringing counterfeiters and other infringers to justice, regardless of the cost. Such activities kill the hobby for everyone."
2) The Dos and Don'ts of playing their games and talking about them.
Here is an example DO:
"We encourage fellow hobbyists to show off their painting skills by taking photos of their miniatures and putting the on the site. Please remember to correctly credit the IP - "miniature © Games Workshop 2003. All rights reserved. Used without permission - model painted by xxxxxxx""
Here is an example DON'T:
- Create, distribute, or use any material that is not consistent with the functionality, atmosphere, and parameters of the Warhammer universe as created and owned by Games Workshop
3) Disclaimers Here is the correct disclaimer that should be used with any blog or website discussing GW IP.
"This web site is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workshop Limited.
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"Knowledge is power. Guard it well." TM and/or © Games Workshop.