Main > Main Forum
sort of legal roms question
Patent Doc:
--- Quote ---So for ROM distribution, you need the copyright rights to the code, not the trademark for the title/logo. Likewise, the trademark for the title/logo would only let you use the image, not the ROM.
That's why I question the legitimacy of claims made simply by renewing an expired trademark. The trademark section of the USPTO can't grant rights to the ROM code. By reregistering an expired trademark, you'd get the "wrapper" and not the "contents".
--- End quote ---
You are correct sir. In the case of Mr. Do, the TM is only for the use of the name Mr. Do or its stylistic representation. The game is subject to copyright and/or patent protection. OK, well not patent protection as that has to be dead by now.
RayB:
yeah I think I'm realizing now how some of these companies operate... If you read the page I linked earlier... the last paragraph that mentions what can be done when all efforts to find a copyright owner have been exhausted: Just put money aside for the day when the owner comes knocking (if ever).