Example of why fan material policies are a legal necessity

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From: Jeff Richard <richj_at_...>
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 22:24:56 -0000

Just look at the unfortunate example of Marion Zimmer Bradley and her Darkover series:

http://www.writersu.net/?link=authpolicy&id=53

For more background, check out the following MSc dissertation on the subject of "The Internet and Electronic Copyright: Fanfiction and the unacknowledged use of copyright material":

http://members.aol.com/olwynm/fanfic1.htm

The author is not a lawyer and the copyright law he references is UK, not US, but it still gives some background on the sort of legal exposure Issaries could have if it did not promulgate an explicit fan materials policy. Remember, even if Issaries would likely win a given legal dispute, the costs associated with protracted litigation means that Glorantha loses. Just keep that in mind.

Jeff