Post originally by GrumpyOldGamer at 2004-01-01 19:59:55
Converted from Phorums BB System

I can understand WotC's position for including the decency clause. It's better for them to take full responsibility for their present and future works if it contains questionable material that may violate community decency law (funny how it is the local community can determine what is decency and what is not, and may vary from each other) than for other people's work using their rules system under the trademark license which governs the square trademark symbol, which is much a brand equity as say, the "Sesame Street" sign.

Of course, one can always try to disclaim (waive) any legal responsibility a third-party publisher might do with their system and trademark, but honestly, I don't know how such a disclaimer may hold up in court with regards to the use of a trademark.

Ryan Dancey once stated the "d20 System" trademark is akin to the "DVD" trademark symbol first created by JVC(?) but is used in almost all DVD packaging as well as electronic products. Of course, that is his opinion and he is no longer worked at WotC.