Re: (TFT) Trademark

["John J Hyland" <johnnyboytmm@juno.com>]

Craig,

I think they basically got the trademark for advertizing purposes.  On 
RPG websites (like RPG.Net) they run ads like 

"where The Fantast Trip (tm) left off, Legends of the Ancient Worlds 
begins"

This seems to have become their unofficial slogan, since it shows up on 
their website and their e-bay store too.

Since they startd as a TFT fan site with an HTM-ized numbered paragraph 
TFT adventure, they wanted to capitalize on the remaining cachet of the 
TFT trademark, without causing confusion that they owned the rights to 
the original game.  

They so far just sell adventures on the web (as far as I can tell they 
are not widely distributed through stores).  And give away a free 
ruleset (very bare bones and fairly compatable with TFT, but enough 
twists to make it distinct) that is good enough for an adventure 
module, but I don't know if there is enough there to run a campaign 
(the skill section is pretty light).

They are talking about creating "The book of heros"  a fleshed out 
version of their ruleset, including western and SF rules, but I think 
that may also be primarily available on the web.

Anyway, to answer your question, they have never said they intended to 
shut down TFT fan sites, and given that they started as one it would 
seem unlikely.  Also, I exchanged a few e-mails with them when they 
astarted, and they seem like good guys, and TFT fans, alot like the 
folk on this list.  So while I cannot say for certain, I don't think 
hey will be going after fan sites.

Also, I hope that their full ruleset works out great, since I intend to 
get a copy when available.  Maybe we will all be able to play an "in 
print" game soon.

John






-- "Craig W. Barber" <craigwbar@comcast.net> wrote:
Not criticizing, BTW!!  Getting a hold of the registration would be a 
great
move to revive TFT commercially.  Basically, as long as it's locked out 
of the
hobby stores, we're all stuck.  If they can use the name to bring out 
a highly
similar product with a different "expression of ideas", then TFT can 
come
back.   Anyone know what the plan is?  Is Dark City going to use the TM 
reg to
get product onto store shelves?

Craig Barber
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