Author Topic: Harmony Gold legal case discussion thread (Read 89377 times)

Mech42ace · « **Reply #420 on:** 22 June 2018, 00:13:53 »

All I can say is that this has been an incredible month so far! I'm not even sure what to say... Except a huge thanks to PGI and congrats to those involved!

PreacherPatriot1776 · « **Reply #421 on:** 22 June 2018, 00:43:41 »

Quote from: Raeven on 21 June 2018, 22:26:41

Derivatives are a violation of copyright. The safest path would be a license to make derivatives of the original images.

You are ignoring the most basic aspect of copyright law when it comes to artwork which is scenes a faire which means things that are shared cannot be copyrighted. For example, all bipedal Mechs share the same characteristics which is 1 head, 1 torso, 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 hands, and 2 feet. Since all mechs share these characteristics they cannot be copyrighted on their own. They must be drawn with differences to qualify, as a whole, for copyright status. Take any two Mech designs that are different like the Wyvern and the Griffin. Both share the same characteristics of 1 head, 1 torso, 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 hands, and 2 feet. What makes them unique is how they are presented via the differences in those shared characteristics like the Wyvern has a more human-like head then the Griffin which has a more bubble head (Unseen). Are they derivatives? No, they are unique enough to be copyrightable.

If you really want to split hairs, all mechs are inspired by HG Wells' novel War of the Worlds which contains the very first mechs. The Martians used tripod mechs to attack Earth.

marauder648 · « **Reply #422 on:** 22 June 2018, 01:25:48 »

Did someone say Thunderbolt?

Nastyogre · « **Reply #423 on:** 22 June 2018, 01:31:15 »

In celebration I will paint something. Probably dig out an unseen, I have a few. Open my blister of the Classic Shadow Hawk too. Have to paint something in Fed Suns colors because the white hats won. ;D

The Eagle · « **Reply #424 on:** 22 June 2018, 06:01:38 »

Quote from: Fat Guy on 21 June 2018, 22:27:52

Now that this crap seems to be settled, I can't wait to see our retcon Crusader! :thumbsup:

Me too! One of my favorite fire support Mechs. I just hope they don't go full derp-hands like the Reseen.

abou · « **Reply #425 on:** 22 June 2018, 06:27:20 »

Guys, it is done done. It is official. The last entry on Pacer doesn't even have a docket number or PDF to download. It goes like this:

Quote

***Civil Case Terminated per parties'127 Stipulation of Dismissal with Prejudice. (PM)

Spenetrator · « **Reply #426 on:** 22 June 2018, 06:31:03 »

I am so happy I am sat at work with an idiot grin on my face!

Geont · « **Reply #427 on:** 22 June 2018, 06:46:21 »

NOW I am relieved. I hope that CGL will say soon more about what it means for tabletop Battletech.

Daryk · « **Reply #428 on:** 22 June 2018, 07:33:02 »

Woo! Now to find that champagne...

klarg1 · « **Reply #429 on:** 22 June 2018, 07:46:58 »

I'm super happy about the settlement news, but I'll celebrate when CGL and IWM start announcing plans for the remaining classics in print, plastic, and pewter.

Luciora · « **Reply #430 on:** 22 June 2018, 07:55:37 »

Hear hear!

Quote from: klarg1 on 22 June 2018, 07:46:58

I'm super happy about the settlement news, but I'll celebrate when CGL and IWM start announcing plans for the remaining classics in print, plastic, and pewter.

Wrangler · « **Reply #431 on:** 22 June 2018, 08:38:03 »

I will feel better when CGL publicly says something. Hope their damn right this time.

MoneyLovinOgre4Hire · « **Reply #432 on:** 22 June 2018, 09:45:10 »

Quote from: Daryk on 22 June 2018, 07:33:02

Woo! Now to find that champagne...

Champagne? This calls for a bottle of Glengerry Reserve.

Kovax · « **Reply #433 on:** 22 June 2018, 09:54:51 »

What we don't know is how many details were agreed behind closed doors, and are still a real part of the legal agreement without being disclosed publicly. It's quite possible that some deal was struck regarding the "original" designs (such as "we won't do X if you won't do Y"), or that specific instances of the new artwork would or would not be "acceptable". Until/unless the revised artwork is released, we really don't know all of the implications, and some of it may never be made public.

On the other hand, the current crop of new "classic" artwork that we've already seen appears to be safe.

In essence, the enemy has been defeated, and his disembodied spirit has fled to take shape in some other land at some other time.

I'm just disappointed that the local bartender can't mix a "PPC", which would be a thematically suitable way to celebrate, in my opinion.

wolfspider · « **Reply #434 on:** 22 June 2018, 11:03:01 »

Quote from: Kovax on 22 June 2018, 09:54:51

I'm just disappointed that the local bartender can't mix a "PPC", which would be a thematically suitable way to celebrate, in my opinion.

Give your Bar Tender this :
PPC
4 shots everclear
1 shot of: peppermint schnapps (steiner)
sake (kurita)
ouzo (marik)
plum wine (liao)
bourbon (davion)
tequila (capellan march)
I had a Bar Tender friend of mine mix this once for me, and WOW! I went with the capellan march version. It was the only drink I needed for the night but cost me nearly $25.00

Guroburov · « **Reply #435 on:** 22 June 2018, 11:03:26 »

I, personally, plan to celebrate by buying all these incredible figures. I toasted CGL last night. :thumbsup:

BlCharger · « **Reply #436 on:** 22 June 2018, 13:35:29 »

It may be raining outside my window right now, but it's a beautiful day in my book.

I agree there are still some details we don't know. However, there's a bottle of bourbon with my name on it, and I'm going to celebrate.

klarg1 · « **Reply #437 on:** 22 June 2018, 14:08:47 »

Quote from: wolfspider on 22 June 2018, 11:03:01

Give your Bar Tender this :
PPC
4 shots everclear
1 shot of: peppermint schnapps (steiner)
sake (kurita)
ouzo (marik)
plum wine (liao)
bourbon (davion)
tequila (capellan march)
I had a Bar Tender friend of mine mix this once for me, and WOW! I went with the capellan march version. It was the only drink I needed for the night but cost me nearly $25.00

He may also require you to sign a release...

glitterboy2098 · « **Reply #438 on:** 22 June 2018, 14:55:06 »

interesting.. the same day that the case ends (and thus the lawyer's invoice gets determined), HG does a flash sale on robotech.com to sell a bunch of overpriced merchandise..

ThePW · « **Reply #439 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:11:27 »

So where do we go from here? I'm been intentionally avoid this thread but, now? Nope. What happens now? I personally think it'll be the computer games taking that first step, not table top...

Sartris · « **Reply #440 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:17:38 »

The first step is clearly celebratory drinking. I would agree that since the computer games side of this did the heavy lifting, they should have honors on smashing the embargo. I assume there will be many meetings about how this can be integrated at best speed on all fronts.

Cache · « **Reply #441 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:18:16 »

Quote from: ThePW on 22 June 2018, 15:11:27

I personally think it'll be the computer games taking that first step, not table top...

Of course they will. It's a whole lot faster for them to produce and release content. The physical product pipeline takes a lot longer.

Fat Guy · « **Reply #442 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:46:38 »

The first step on our side of the house will probably be IWM putting the retcon Wasp back up for sale.

Until then... :beer:

ColBosch · « **Reply #443 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:53:32 »

The first step is to close this thread. The companies involved will make their announcements later, and those can be discussed in the usual news threads.

Bedwyr · « **Reply #444 on:** 22 June 2018, 15:59:36 »

Moderator here.

We'll keep an eye out to be sure, but this remains the best place to contain the conversation for now (run amok here rather than in umpteen other threads). As options and developments proliferate we'll look at closing the thread, but for now that's premature. The subject of conversation will naturally transition from technical legal material and on to other things. I think something of a mix is fine for now. If someone tries to derail things too far, we'll jump in but for moment carry on.

wolfspider · « **Reply #445 on:** 22 June 2018, 16:03:28 »

Quote from: ColBosch on 22 June 2018, 15:53:32

The first step is to close this thread. The companies involved will make their announcements later, and those can be discussed in the usual news threads.

Once we get the sign documents then I would say close it!

MarauderD · « **Reply #446 on:** 22 June 2018, 16:08:49 »

According to Pacer, the case is dismissed. The inference is that therefore Zilly has signed the documents.

Pat Payne · « **Reply #447 on:** 22 June 2018, 16:09:04 »

Quote from: wolfspider on 22 June 2018, 16:03:28

Once we get the sign documents then I would say close it!

I kinda agree with Bedwyr here. This is Times Square on VJ Day for us. Rather than have the celebration take over all the threads, this is a good place to discuss what just happened, and look forward to the future.

I say leave it open till at least the announcements that the Classics are back on track and then close and archive it as a piece of board history.

Bedwyr · « **Reply #448 on:** 22 June 2018, 16:14:56 »

Quote from: Pat Payne on 22 June 2018, 16:09:04

I kinda agree with Bedwyr here. This is Times Square on VJ Day for us. Rather than have the celebration take over all the threads, this is a good place to discuss what just happened, and look forward to the future.

I say leave it open till at least the announcements that the Classics are back on track and then close and archive it as a piece of board history.

Well, to be clear it's a directive rather than me randomly musing. It's also an indicator to you guys that we're still watching like lifeguards and don't want horsing around to spread.

Tymers Realm · « **Reply #449 on:** 22 June 2018, 16:41:22 »

Well if the Macross-Inspired Classics are out of legal issue now, two things can be done of CGL's part:
1) Can we see a TRO: Succession Wars Revised with said Classics included?
2) Can we have the remaining Unseen/Reseen given the Classic treatment so they can be included in the above Revised TRO, please?

I'm sure TPTB can give Shimm a little time from his official work to get those remaining Unseen/Reseen done.