Author Topic: Rule 10: an explanation (Updated 16 Feb 2019)  (Read 56795 times)

worktroll

  • Ombudsman
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 25551
  • 504th "Gateway" Division
    • There are Monsters in my Sky!
Rule 10: an explanation (Updated 16 Feb 2019)
« on: 24 January 2011, 00:06:13 »
In  the past, some of the many posts on the Mini forums have had to be removed. All of these posts shared one thing in common: they all showed pictures of or contained links to sites with Battletech miniatures sculpted and produced by someone other than Iron Wind Metals.

As this is the official forum for Catalyst Game Labs and the Classic Battletech game, it is important that we maintain a place where the product of the officially licensed company can have its miniatures showcased by talented fans. Having items produced by those who are in violation of copy right laws and trademarks is counter productive to our position as the official game site.

The main problem that the staff has is with the definition of what is an illegal copy and what is just an enthusiast showing off a cool creation. We came up with the following definitions to help us figure out how we should deal with interpreting rule 10 and the violation of IWM's copyright.

Quote
An original work, as we define it, is any mini or diorama that is built as a one-off, or in limited numbers, for personal use only. Original works may use parts from other copyrighted minis, or may be made wholly from non-original components (including but not limited to sculpy, pewter, styrene, brass, etc etc). Original works are not made for distribution, whether for money or not.

A reproduction is a figure made using any method which is based wholly or largely on someone else's copyrighted IP and then sold or traded. Reproductions may be made or cast from existing components, or wholly from original material, Reproductions are violations of copyright and will be removed from the site. Warnings may be issued for flagrant abuse or violation of Rule 10.

For clarification, if you build a figure of a non-existing BTech 'Mech, vehicle or other miniature out of foam, try and create a figure to match the design specs for your latest FrankenMech, or do up a 3D model of a really great Franz art piece, then you are doing an original work or a kitbash.  If you are sculpting a figure meant to resemble an Archer, even an Archer variant, then you are also creating an original work.  If you offer to or mention that you have in the past offered to trade or sell that Archer, you are not only violating our prohibition against selling on the site, but you are also offering a reproduction and in violation of Rule 10. 

Note that this also applies to minis made available through sites such as Shapeways. If the minis are based wholly or partly on Battletech IP, including the use of BattleTech names and trademarked terms, then they represent a violation of rule 10. Links or references to any such minis will be taken as violations of Rule 10.

There have been some extremely cool original works showcased on this site. There have also been some equally cool reproductions. The issue arises in the fact that this is the official Battletech site and allowing flagrant abuse of the rights of the license holders is not something we will condone or allow. Therefore we have begun taking a more hardline approach and have begun reviewing and removing those posts that showcase reproductions that are in violation of the posted rules.

Another trend is the post lamenting on or commenting about the purchase of illegally reproduced Battletech miniatures purchased at an online location, sometimes including a photo or site link dealing with the illegal miniature. The site staff has decided that in making such posts, rule number 10 is being violated. As a reminder, the rule states:

Quote
This message board will not be used for trading, obtaining, making available or selling of unauthorized or illegally obtained copyrighted materials. Therefore it is strictly forbidden to post any link, make reference to, or mention the ability through any manner, the acquisition of or sharing of ANY Copyrighted Material obtained through unauthorized or illegal means, from any location be it on the Internet or not.

While the intent may be to help the community to avoid a repetition and stop the sale of illegal copies, a goal the staff can appreciate, the opposite may actually occur and those who are looking for those sales, can use the official forums as a jumping off point in finding them. An outcome that I know those posting were not after.

Our goal is not to look for reasons to warn our members for rules violations. However the staff is looking to enforce the rules to the best of our ability and will deal with violations as they arise. We all want a healthy game that is free of legal problems. Help us do that by avoiding posting pictures and links that support illegal miniatures.

Thank you,

The Site Admins and Staff
« Last Edit: 15 February 2019, 13:31:57 by worktroll »
* No, FASA wasn't big on errata - ColBosch
* The Housebook series is from the 80's and is the foundation of Btech, the 80's heart wrapped in heavy metal that beats to this day - Sigma
* To sum it up: FASAnomics: By Cthulhu, for Cthulhu - Moonsword
* Because Battletech is a conspiracy by Habsburg & Bourbon pretenders - MadCapellan
* The Hellbringer is cool, either way. It's not cool because it's bad, it's cool because it's bad with balls - Nightsky
* It was a glorious time for people who felt that we didn't have enough Marauder variants - HABeas2, re "Empires Aflame"

worktroll

  • Ombudsman
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 25551
  • 504th "Gateway" Division
    • There are Monsters in my Sky!
Re: Rule 12: an explanation (Updated 10th October 2014)
« Reply #1 on: 09 October 2014, 17:59:03 »
An update to cover issues around models derived from the MechWarrior Online game.

We're aware that the company behind the MechWarrior: Online game has given permission for people to download 3D models of their in-game 'Mechs for personal use only. This means that anyone with the time, and access to a 3D printer, can produce models of varying quality for their personal use.

This does not, however, give those people any permission to distribute such models - which includes sale, trade, or even giving them away. Nor does it give any permission for people to make such models via third party printing services (eg. Shapeways).

Any efforts to sell, buy or discuss distribution (sale, trade, etc) of models of MWO 'Mechs produced by 3D printing is therefore a breach of this forum's rule 10, and will be treated accordingly.

The BattleTech Intellectual Property (IP) has had a long and unpleasant history of involvement in legal issues. Catalyst Game Labs therefore does everything in its power not to become involved in any legally dubious situations. As the official CGL BattleTech forum, we support their position fully.

Worktroll, Administrator
« Last Edit: 15 February 2019, 13:32:55 by worktroll »
* No, FASA wasn't big on errata - ColBosch
* The Housebook series is from the 80's and is the foundation of Btech, the 80's heart wrapped in heavy metal that beats to this day - Sigma
* To sum it up: FASAnomics: By Cthulhu, for Cthulhu - Moonsword
* Because Battletech is a conspiracy by Habsburg & Bourbon pretenders - MadCapellan
* The Hellbringer is cool, either way. It's not cool because it's bad, it's cool because it's bad with balls - Nightsky
* It was a glorious time for people who felt that we didn't have enough Marauder variants - HABeas2, re "Empires Aflame"

worktroll

  • Ombudsman
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 25551
  • 504th "Gateway" Division
    • There are Monsters in my Sky!
Re: Rule 10: an explanation (Updated 16 Feb 2019)
« Reply #2 on: 15 February 2019, 13:34:23 »
Just updating this to reflect that the Unseen rule went away, but posting of unlicenced reproductions - including those drawing excessively on BT IP - remains a breach under Rule 10.

This is the official site. We're not policing your collection, but we are policing pictures and comments made here in line with the above.

Worktroll, Ombudsman
* No, FASA wasn't big on errata - ColBosch
* The Housebook series is from the 80's and is the foundation of Btech, the 80's heart wrapped in heavy metal that beats to this day - Sigma
* To sum it up: FASAnomics: By Cthulhu, for Cthulhu - Moonsword
* Because Battletech is a conspiracy by Habsburg & Bourbon pretenders - MadCapellan
* The Hellbringer is cool, either way. It's not cool because it's bad, it's cool because it's bad with balls - Nightsky
* It was a glorious time for people who felt that we didn't have enough Marauder variants - HABeas2, re "Empires Aflame"