"Illegality" of games representing US hardware is challenged
 

Interesting read here. Textron lawyers have got dollar signs in their eyes after seeing BF3's sales figures and want to get a slice. But if EA can help overturn the trend for US military hardware manufacturers suing games developers for depicting their products, it could have a positive effect on the future of our hobby too.

http://kotaku.com/5874076/ea-invokes...licopter-maker

Heck, if they manage it, I'd even buy their silly game to say thanks!

Very interesting article, thanks!

The thing I don't get is what legal footing does textron have? It mentions the bill that was passed that allows companies the freedom to replicate etc so how can they do anything!!!??

Interesting. That may solve the Grumman problem. Copyright issues have been brought way to far into the extremes lately.

It would great to see them win. What might be sticking point for flight sims is that EA are arguing that the inclusion of the chopper isn't a main selling point of the game just a prop, pardon the pun, in the larger scenario. But in a flight sim the aircraft included will be a fundamental selling point, I fear this may still be a problem for flight sims. Definately interested to see who wins.

I see what you mean. Hopefully if it came to that again, they could hang on the Il-2 label and argue that the Sturmovik is central to the game and everything else are peripheral additions.

that's why it's safer to stick to WW1/WW2, it's very unlikely you're gonna get sued by Messerschmitt AG or Supermarine teehehe

Yeah somehow I can't see EADs stooping so low :D

Also

http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=29003

...prime offer to Ilyushin to get their share =)