The idea that such disclaimers offer even an iota of legal protection is a long-standing myth in the computer community (predating the internet, really). They do absolutely nothing to prevent you from getting your ass sued off by the owners of the copyrights you're liberally "borrowing" for your site's own purposes. Add to this the fact that Games Workshop has been flexing its IP muscles seemingly at random for the past year or so and you've got a recipe for disaster.
neocristal wrote:
Why do you think that so far has been accessed and read in accordance with the legality of Games Workshop - "What can you and can not do with Games Workshop's intellectual property." And a review of each part of the site and compliance with the terms, I think that there are good things.
Not a very thorough review, it seems. Lets take a look at a few of the things GW says you cannot do:
Games Workshop Legal wrote:
- Use Games Workshop's intellectual property in relation to any commercial activity this includes, for example, paying a printer to print some flyers for you, obtaining sponsorship, or selling non-Games Workshop materials using our trademarks.
A very common misconception is that in order for something to be "commercial" it has to be something you sell directly to the users. This is not the case. Given that you explicitly state that you will be using advertising to support your project, it is inherently a commercial venture - you will be seeking money as part of the project. This is why they make reference to sponsorship in this line. Television networks and Google run primarily off the selling of advertising in one form or another, and you can bet those are commercial.
Games Workshop Legal wrote:
- Make any direct copies and/or scans of Games Workshop publications, images, or other materials. This includes any Out-o- Production materials, web site materials, and White Dwarf articles. We would however suggest that you produce your own materials (as long as you follow the other requirements of this policy).
Y'know, like that logo that runs down the side of your game, or the logos of each of the races that you're using inside your game.
Games Workshop Legal wrote:
- Use our intellectual property in relation to any third party products or third party intellectual property.
Like, for example, using their intellectual property to create a game of your own.
Games Workshop Legal wrote:
Please don't use one of our trademarks to directly identify your web sit (e.g., "The Space Hulk Home Page"). This right is reserved for GW companies and formal licensees only.
Like calling your game/site "Blood Bowl Online Management League"
Skimming documents is never your friend! While the game may be something people would/will enjoy, you're accelerating toward that giant legal wall that is GW's current legal department... and everybody's money is on the wall.