OpenBOR And Copyright - Double Dragon Reloaded (Alternate Version)

[mattp]

Hi all,

I want to be very clear upfront by saying that I have no ethical issue whatsoever with enjoying OpenBOR mods. My rationale: the copyright holders of many classic games no longer make them available for sale - therefore no revenue is lost when a person plays an original or a mod of these classic games.

Notwithstanding, a friend recently asked me to explain the copyright status of OpenBOR mods – specifically Double Dragon Reloaded (Alternate Version). I showed my friend the attached screenshots but I couldn’t fully explain what the screenshots mean. Some questions:
* What does ⓟ mean? (sound recording copyright?)
* Why is the 1987 copyright attributed to Taito Corporation? (Double Dragon is © 1987 Technos Japan Corp.)
* Ultimately is this mod a breach of copyright? (please remember, I am not trying to argue anything - I just want to respond to my friend’s question).

I would be interested in hearing any and all opinions regarding OpenBOR mods, as related to copyright/abandonware/freeware.

Hope to hear back.

Thanks,

Matt P

[attachment deleted by admin]

 

[aL BeasTie]

it's there to say they are the actual copyright holders of double dragon. pretty sure the p is for public domain, meaning you cant charge people for this mod as he states in the first screen.

edit: Taito was the arcades

he's really just added it for fun tbh

 

[mattp]

Great responses - thanks!

My confusion regarding Technos and Taito:
* In Japan, Double Dragon was distributed under a Technos Japan copyright (see attachment)
* In Europe and North America, Double Dragon was distributed by Taito
I only just learned of Taito's distribution after reading a Wikipedia entry (prompted by BeasTie's response).

BeasTie:
I've attached the Creative Commons Public Domain Mark - which is different to ⓟ. That said, you may still be completely correct - Magggas may have used ⓟ to mean Public Domain. Then again, his modes 'Story/Arranged' and 'Training' do include arranged music not found in the original 1987 Double Dragon - so maybe Magggas did intend a sound recording copyright. I suppose only Magggas knows.

nsw25:
Thanks for you comprehensive response. I do have a PC copy of Arc System Works' Double Dragon IV. It's a fun game - though perhaps not as fun as Double Dragon Reloaded Alternate Version (in my opinion anyway). The rest of what you wrote confirms what I already thought - that this great game is a breach of copyright. I will of course continue to enjoy this great game (and probably other OpenBOR mods). My friend however won't be joining me - he has a serious mental illness and no amount of explanation will enable him to get past this copyright issue. It would simply worry him too much.

Thanks again,

Matt P


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[aL BeasTie]

You can read up on everything if you wish at http://creativecommons.org.au/learn/licences/

Creative Commons is very different to public domain.  Creative Commons is actually conditional use,  it means you are giving permission (with conditions) to use, share, distribute said media WITHOUT giving up copyright.  There is also several variants of 'creative commons', you really need to research whatever it is your trying to use first.

Offering your work under a Creative Commons licence does not mean giving up your copyright. It means permitting users to make use of your material in various ways, but only on certain conditions.

Attribution is another thing altogether, some CC may also have attribution conditions attached to it by the content creator. 

Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.

You are free to:

    Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
    Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material
    for any purpose, even commercially.

The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

This stuff is never black and white, never assume anything is free to use.  A lot of people confuse these things.  just because something is CC does not mean you can do whatever you want with it.  All the licenses are supposed to be documented and distributed with your work.    failing to do so can allow the creator to revoke the rights to use it at anytime. 

Some conditions may state that when the content is used commercially and you turn a profit you're supposed to work something out with the creator...  Some stuff cannot be used commercially at all or can only be used for 'Non Profit'.

Sadly a lot of people are taking CC content these days using it in commercial projects and just assuming they never have to pay anyone or give any credit.

HTH