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Copyright Laws and Game Rules?

 
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Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/22/2011 6:47:48 AM   
Missouri_Rebel


Posts: 1475
Joined: 6/19/2006
From: Southern Missouri
Status: offline 		Hello. Maybe someone can answer if what I am proposing would be in conflict with copyright laws and/or be unethical.

I have a boardgame system that I've owned for years and want to make a PDF of the rules. I plan on scanning the rules and processing them with an OCR program that I can then convert to a PDF, images and all. Since the OCR program will allow me to edit the text after it processes it, I can then create hyperlinks within the document for the many references to other rules. Basically creating the virtual rulebook to be viewed by computer/tablet.

Again, I own the rules and would never distribute the end product to anyone. Is this something anyone has done themselves?

Thanks,
mo reb

_____________________________

**Those who rob Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul
**A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have-Gerald Ford
Post #: 1
RE: Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/22/2011 7:51:38 AM   
JudgeDredd


Posts: 8341
Joined: 11/14/2003
From: Scotland
Status: offline 		mo reb

I'm no lawyer - but I go by the rule if it's for you in your own home, go for it. You've bought the game and you want to make what was given to you something that will be even more helpful to you

If you were going to post said document on forums or a web site, then I would think you'd need the publishers permission.

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JudgeDredd
I AM the Law!

(in reply to Missouri_Rebel)
Post #: 2
RE: Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/22/2011 8:26:04 PM   
Jeffrey H.


Posts: 2502
Joined: 4/13/2007
From: San Diego, Ca.
Status: offline 		I understand that artwork is copywrite protected, rules are not. Rules require patent protection. Also, keep in mind that unless you are planning on using your own creation for profit, there is generally little to worry about. A nasty letter telling you to stop it, (in essence) is about as bad as you can expect as long as you are not profiting, slandering or abusing someone elses work.

Get some kind of permission if possible.


_____________________________

"Games lubricate the body and the mind" Ben Franklin.

(in reply to JudgeDredd)
Post #: 3
RE: Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/23/2011 12:23:09 AM   
The Plodder


Posts: 455
Joined: 7/28/2003
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Missouri_Rebel

Hello. Maybe someone can answer if what I am proposing would be in conflict with copyright laws and/or be unethical.

I have a boardgame system that I've owned for years and want to make a PDF of the rules. I plan on scanning the rules and processing them with an OCR program that I can then convert to a PDF, images and all. Since the OCR program will allow me to edit the text after it processes it, I can then create hyperlinks within the document for the many references to other rules. Basically creating the virtual rulebook to be viewed by computer/tablet.

Again, I own the rules and would never distribute the end product to anyone. Is this something anyone has done themselves?

Thanks,
mo reb


That wouldn't be ASL by any chance? If it's for personal use only you can do anything you like.

_____________________________

Gen. Montgomery: "Your men don't salute much."
Gen. Freyberg: "Well, if you wave at them they'll usually wave back."

(in reply to Missouri_Rebel)
Post #: 4
RE: Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/24/2011 6:45:56 AM   
Missouri_Rebel


Posts: 1475
Joined: 6/19/2006
From: Southern Missouri
Status: offline 		ASL? I think I've heard of it. Is it anything like checkers?

And here I thought putting all those rules in page savers was time consuming. Sigh. I must say that I've learned a bunch and my templates and settings are getting close to being what I wanted yet weeks of work remain. Adding the many hyperlinks alone is a lesson in frustration, but the best feature without a doubt. 

Hope this doesn't come out wrong but if I were a serial killer the bodies would be found stacked nice and neat.


< Message edited by Missouri_Rebel -- 12/24/2011 6:47:53 AM >

_____________________________

**Those who rob Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul
**A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have-Gerald Ford

(in reply to The Plodder)
Post #: 5
RE: Copyright Laws and Game Rules? - 12/24/2011 1:53:28 PM   
bairdlander

 

Posts: 1376
Joined: 3/28/2009
Status: offline 		I beleive ASL is acronym for Advanced Squad Leader.

< Message edited by bairdlander -- 12/24/2011 1:56:52 PM >

(in reply to Missouri_Rebel)
Post #: 6
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