I'm just curious about the upcoming conflict over the Trademark.  

Gail has filed for Trademark on the Federal Level on the use of Gygax at the USPTO (which you can view by searching for the name in the online database), and it's in the process of being approved--they don't use a TM on the cover but do on the ToC pages.  (And she included magazines and printed works specifically).

Nobody at Gygax magazine or the new TSR bothered to file for a Trademark.

Surprised they just didn't name it something else.

Quote from: JRT;684124Gail has filed for Trademark on the Federal Level on the use of Gygax at the USPTO

That is Gail's prerogative. I'm not qualified to comment.

What I do know is that Ernie and Luke have game materials of their own to share with the hobby, which I think will be great additions to people's game tables. My focus right now, as Ernie's partner on the Hobby Shop Dungeon project, is to make sure we provide a good framework for gamers out there to play with. That's really my priority number One.

I hope one day we'll get to see a reprint of LA and the continuation of the Castle Zagyg publications which never saw the light of day. How's that coming along? Any chance to see that happen in the near future?

Attempting to prevent someone named Gygax from using his or her own name as a brand would certainly be eerily familiar.

I'm not sure what Gail will be doing as far as publications go, the memorial project takes priority.

I was only pointing out the fact that if they wanted this to be a success there should be more prudent in the naming--and I am really surprised if TSR bothered to get a trademark for that name they would have also done so for Gygax.  It only costs $250.00 or so to file for a Trademark at the USPTO.

I do think the next step will be a lawsuit and it would end up being a negative sum game--lawsuits would eat up money on both sides, but I think that would end up being the case if she's bothering to file.  TSR could end up being in debt and not being able to publish anything, and IMO Gail would lose too as she'd look like the villain in the gaming world's eyes.

QuoteAttempting to prevent someone named Gygax from using his or her own name as a brand would certainly be eerily familiar.

To be fair, the term as used on that magazine can be argued that they are trading on their Dad's name rather than their own.  I mean, c'mon, are people thinking of Luke and Ernie when it comes to the singular name "Gygax" on a magazine published by "TSR" and in the same style as 1980s Dragon Magazine.  It would have been just as easy to say "Gygax Brothers" or "Son of Gygax" magazine and have less confusion.  

Overall I think the magazine itself is a positive thing, I just fear that the family conflict over this one aspect will end up making it end badly for all, and it could have been prevented.

When family members sue each other over petty shit, everyone loses but the lawyers.

Case closed.

Quote from: Melan;684122Is that praise or condemnation?

A bomb?! :eek:

Quote from: melan;684155a bomb?! :eek:

yayyyyy!

I'm just impressed they've made it to issue #2.

I'm rooting for Gail.

She needs more inert, useless IP to roost on.

Quote from: RPGPundit;684722I'm just impressed they've made it to issue #2.

With an Easley cover, no less!

Even WotC can't top that!

or Paizo . . . which is stuck with that hideous Wayne Reynolds art everywhere.

Quote from: Benoist;683839Correct. It is out.

Yes, I picked up a copy at Gen Con.  The Trolls had it at their area.

Quote from: flyerfan1991;684860Yes, I picked up a copy at Gen Con.  The Trolls had it at their area.

I think I saw copies at Fat Dragon Games, too (who are closely allied with the Trolls).

Quote from: 1989;684818With an Easley cover, no less!

Even WotC can't top that!

or Paizo . . . which is stuck with that hideous Wayne Reynolds art everywhere.

I like his art, but someone needs to tell him that most people don't have 50 pockets.

JG