Tag: IP

Jagex Issues Warning To Mobile Apps


With the launch of RuneScape on mobile devices, Jagex this week announced that they will be changing their policy in regards to how the company approaches mobile app developers using RuneScape’s IP to create unofficial companion programs. In a post published this week, the UK developer stated that they will be reaching out to app developers to discuss applying for a license to use the IP, and may seek removal of apps that do not meet their standards.

We are in the process of reviewing existing unofficial and unlicensed mobile apps and as a part of this process, we will be reaching out to the developers of existing mobile apps which utilise our IP, to explain our rights and we may give certain app owners the opportunity to discuss and apply for a licence to use our IP in relation to their existing app.

In cases where unofficial apps in our opinion do not meet our requirements or standards, or where license terms cannot be agreed we will seek their removal from mobile stores. We are constantly reviewing and updating the use of our IP and it is important to note that this current review only affects mobile apps.

Please note this is only for existing apps, and we will not be accepting any licence requests for new apps.  If you have a current live mobile app, we will contact you in the near future.

Source: RuneScape.com

Funcom Announces Acquisition Of Conan Property


Funcom has announced that it has approved plans to acquire 50% of the Conan the Barbarian portfolio. The acquisition, approved by the board and pending approval at a general investor meeting in January, would see Funcom benefiting from a 50% royalty reduction on Age of Conan and Conan Exiles while also acquiring 50% royalties for any game developed using Conan and various other properties acquired as part of this venture.

The joint venture company will hold interactive/video gaming Intellectual Property (IP) rights based on the works of Robert E. Howard and classic Swedish pen & paper and board game properties, including attractive IPs such as “Conan the Barbarian”, “Solomon Kane”, “Mutant Chronicles”, “Mutant: Year Zero”.

The acquisition will allow Funcom to secure more frequent launches of games both produced internally as well as co-developed and published from third party partners. Rather than paying cash, Funcom will be paying with shares, reducing risk and increasing revenues. More information on the acquisition can be found at the link below:

(Source: Funcom)

Creating Games Using Someone Else's Intellectual Property


As someone who started writing by creating derivative works of existing properties, I have a special place in my heart for amateur studios who do the same. So whenever I have to deal with such a group of people, I never see them as content theives when I tell them they will probably be served a cease and desist, if not sued outright, for stealing intellectual property.

As is the case with My Little Pony Online, a testament to the internet’s demand that not even this website can refrain from mentioning the show. MLP: Online is an MMO based on the tv show dedicated to a base of adult men. Unsurprisngly, MLP: Online was the target of a cease and desist by Hasbro for all sorts of infringements. The project will continue, but without anything that would identify it as a My Little Pony game.

Still, the law sucks. It puts content owners in a rough spot since if they don’t protect their properties, they could lose them.

Perhaps the better question to ask is why Hasbro took so long to send the cease and desist, considering the game was on the radar of the mane-stream press for a good while now.

I am so sorry.

Creating Games Using Someone Else’s Intellectual Property


As someone who started writing by creating derivative works of existing properties, I have a special place in my heart for amateur studios who do the same. So whenever I have to deal with such a group of people, I never see them as content theives when I tell them they will probably be served a cease and desist, if not sued outright, for stealing intellectual property.

As is the case with My Little Pony Online, a testament to the internet’s demand that not even this website can refrain from mentioning the show. MLP: Online is an MMO based on the tv show dedicated to a base of adult men. Unsurprisngly, MLP: Online was the target of a cease and desist by Hasbro for all sorts of infringements. The project will continue, but without anything that would identify it as a My Little Pony game.

Still, the law sucks. It puts content owners in a rough spot since if they don’t protect their properties, they could lose them.

Perhaps the better question to ask is why Hasbro took so long to send the cease and desist, considering the game was on the radar of the mane-stream press for a good while now.

I am so sorry.