Quote:
Originally Posted by JG53Frankyboy
i think you can guess what US lawyers would do when DT would release some Grumman stuff in an official patch..................................its a pitty, but it is like it is.
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Actually i can't guess, that's why i'm asking
Maybe i didn't make myself completely clear, so i'll try to explain a bit more.
1st scenario: Do the Grumman royalties refer to products we pay for? As in, if a developer makes a 3d model and "sells" it (in an expansion or other paid-for product), the developer's profits legally "justify" Grumman's royalty fees?
If this is true, then do the TD patches get a free pass because they cost nothing, or are they considered part of the original paid-for game because they have an official stamp, thus making them liable to royalty fees?
2nd scenario: Do the royalties apply to any kind of modelling whatsoever, even free 3d models?
If this is true, then how come the mods get a free pass? Simply because they can't find a company to sue and can't enforce it?
I think it was mentioned at some point that Grumman can sue you for money only if you make money yourself from selling 3d models that are based on their aircraft (the 1st scenario). If this is the case then their lawsuits wouldn't apply to free content, however i don't know if an official patch is considered part of the paid-for original game or not. If it is, then it becomes liable to royalty fees, but if it's not then it shouldn't be.
Of course, it could be that nobody knows enough to make a decision. It might be the case that TD might actually be in the clear, but since nobody has the legal knowledge to be sure they naturally just decide to play it safe.
Does anyone have more in-depth information as to how this situation actually works?