So I'm working on a mod that will contain references to different franchises from different copyright holders, and I'm wondering if I have to obtain permission from the various owners to use their content. This probably seems like a silly question, but hear me out first. I know there are rules requiring that I obtain permission, but there are music mod packs on steam workshop that contain music from a dozen different copyright holders, and I seriously doubt that the authors of such mods were able to get in contact with, and obtain permission from the various copyright holders. Already asked on reddit and got great responses, though I would also like the opinion of the paradox forums.
Do I really have to ask for and obtain permission to use 3rd party content?
- Thread starter randomaccount8285
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References, like call backs in the dialogue, should be fine. You just have to avoid using names and models that are clearly based on theirs.
It depends on your country and the country of the copyright holder. Also it depends on what IP you are using. Big franchises like Star trek and star wars and especially 4 Warhammer seem to come down hard especially if the mod gets popular or they have a similar game out or in the pipeline.
If you could give more details on the franchise we could give more specific examples.
If you could give more details on the franchise we could give more specific examples.
Just to add on what Max is saying, it's a good idea to also make sure that the IP holder (Disney for Star Wars, Paramount (I think?) for Star Trek, Games workshop for 40k... those are the big 3 I guess) also is notified about your usage of their IP. Usually they would give you permission in the form of an email. Alternatively, some of them have FAQs on their website stating their usage rules. I know Disney has this for Star Wars (at least they have made official posts regarding how to use their IP).
I believe teams like Max's, for Star Trek anyways, have received written permission for usage of their IP in the form of a "derivative work". Not sure if it was written or via email in their case.. maybe @Max Loef can clarify?
Anyways, always best to be on the safe side.
Usually for Large mods Star Trek and Star Wars its fine as long as you put a little blurb in the readme that you are not officialy affiliated with trek/wars, i know Microsoft has some serious guidelines for Halo (like you cant use the name "Halo") I also know that Bioware/EA are the same as trek/wars.
IP's i know which are fine with a little text:
- Star Trek
- Star Wars
- Babylon 5
- Mass Effect
- Halo
I know that Battlestar Galactica is a bit more tricky and less related Lord of the Rings is usualy a no go for large mods.
I'm not sure.. i've heard of some large mods, especially warhammer 40k, get C&D'd after being out there for a year or two already.. have also seen some big fights between modders getting angry at other people using their IP without written consent as well.
What Max Loef said is probably going to be ok @randomaccount8285 , but I don't think there is a "different" standard for modder IP or other IPs. If you are looking at building off of someone's IP, whether modder, company, or "big name brand" (again, warhammer.. be careful with them lol), you should be asking for written permission in some form. I'd also suggest trying to choose your naming to not be potentially "confused" to be an official work. Though again as far as I understand it, there isn't really a difference based on "how much" you are using the IP.. just seems like a courtesy.
What Max Loef said is probably going to be ok @randomaccount8285 , but I don't think there is a "different" standard for modder IP or other IPs. If you are looking at building off of someone's IP, whether modder, company, or "big name brand" (again, warhammer.. be careful with them lol), you should be asking for written permission in some form. I'd also suggest trying to choose your naming to not be potentially "confused" to be an official work. Though again as far as I understand it, there isn't really a difference based on "how much" you are using the IP.. just seems like a courtesy.
Another thing worth noting is just because a modder made a model of say a star destroyer doesnt mean you can just take and use it. The original author needs to give permission.
Most SW modders have followed the intent of Disney to make the brand more freely usable for creative works and have released their models via creative commons and other liberal licenses. Lots of selection for sure.
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If you want to use the graphical depictions of their stuff, or like, use models ripped from other games, you may be SOL, ask them and get permission.
Mentioning them as being extant franchises, however, is acceptable fair-use. You can for instance say that Warhammer 40,000, Star Trek and Halo are known works of fiction in your setting/mod, which is based on real-life.
Mentioning them as being extant franchises, however, is acceptable fair-use. You can for instance say that Warhammer 40,000, Star Trek and Halo are known works of fiction in your setting/mod, which is based on real-life.
Not sure if what I'm about to describe changes anything about obtaining copyright permission, but the franchises will not only be sci-fi settings, nor will the franchises be extant. Some of the franchises are aimed towards a younger audience. In case you can't tell, my mod is going to be a multi crossover. (I know people generally don't like crossovers, especially multi crossovers, but I'll give it a shot regardless) The mod itself will just be event chains. The events will be spawned by anomalies, like the precursor event chain. I don't plan on using ship models, technology, etc (although I would like to use fan made or official art).
Again, I do not know if what I described above changes anything about obtaining copyright permission. If nothing changed disregard everything above this sentence.
Again, I do not know if what I described above changes anything about obtaining copyright permission. If nothing changed disregard everything above this sentence.
Really? I heard Disney is very protective of their ip. Do you have any links so I can see if this is true? Is Disney like that on the Star Wars brand only, or is Disney also like that for other, non sci-fi Disney work such as Zootopia?