Quote from: Safari on May 17, 2015, 11:07:09 AMSome time ago I saw an interview with a HiG official and he explained that back then they decided to don't put a copyright on their meeple shape. The could have done it, but rather wanted not to do it (or simply forgot about it, I don't remember exactly any more). However, now they are happy that there is no copyright on the "meeple", since a copyright might have limited the great success of the meeple as kind of standard playing piece shape in the whole world. He said that today the meeple is far more than a piece of Carcassonne. It is well known also outside the Carcassonne universe thanks to the lack of any copyright.That's really interesting, and a sentiment I happen to agree with too.I don't suppose you can remember where you read the interview can you?
Some time ago I saw an interview with a HiG official and he explained that back then they decided to don't put a copyright on their meeple shape. The could have done it, but rather wanted not to do it (or simply forgot about it, I don't remember exactly any more). However, now they are happy that there is no copyright on the "meeple", since a copyright might have limited the great success of the meeple as kind of standard playing piece shape in the whole world. He said that today the meeple is far more than a piece of Carcassonne. It is well known also outside the Carcassonne universe thanks to the lack of any copyright.
A: Well, and then we put the Meeple in the game. Back than it was simply something like “Well, let’s make a nice playing piece, that looks cute.“ That it will prevail like that wasn’t expected.Q: But that has also to do with the fact that you didn’t save the rights on it.A: Well, let’s say, partially. But we found out about the fact too late, that we should have done that. It is kind of a legal limbo, but principally it’s not saved. We asked then if it was possible to do that later, but it’s nearly impossible. But fortunately all the publishers get along well with each others, so normally they ask if they want to put a meeple into one of their games. Q: Do you think, that it wouldn’t be as successful if you had saved the rights on it?A: That’s a good question! Quite possible, may be. That’s always such a thing, if one launches some advocates or something like that. This might backfire. Actually, in that case it was maybe good, that it went like that.
Vanguard Meeples I saw these advertised on BGG today.https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vanguard-meeples
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