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http://chapterhousestudios.com/

Im sure we have all seen them. They make alternative 40k models, conversion kits for existing models and fill in gaps where GW have not made models yet.

I am not proposing that we discuss wether or not it is "right" that they do this as i am sure there are both GW haters and GW fanboys ready to go to war over the subject.

What i want to know is how they get away with creating something that is so close to (and arguably a part of) GWs intellectual property. Sureley GW has challenged them on the subject and they are still in business so Dakka...How do they do it!?

They actually have a very small selection.
It's not like they're selling boxes of "Emperial Goursdmen" for cheap.

Haha yeah i am aware it is small scale operation. But none the less if we know about them im sure GW does. Have they turned a blind eye because of its scale?

Chapterhouse is involved in a lawsuit with GW actually. There's a monstrous thread about it somewhere on the boards in News and Rumours I think.

So GW does know they exist, and is trying to get rid of them, and currently failing it seems.

68 page thread right here...

Summary: For a year, GW can't provide the minimum requirements for even filing a suit and must face the fact, that claiming exclusive rights on everything somehow related to GW has its limits in reality. Other manufacturers just gave in to C&D letters, Chapterhouse didn't (and couldn't), so GW must prove what is behind their claims, and until now seems completely unable to do so. Fact is that GW didn't invent shoulder pads, didn't invent Roman numbers and arrows and dragon skin and aftermarket products are not illegal per se. So currently there is no reason, why Chapterhouse should not be in business.

Except for the whole fact that the case is still being tried, rather than thrown out as garbage showing that the judge feels there is at least some truth to GW's accusations.

There's like, a whole 68 page thread for this conversation.

If only someone would link us to it, but I can't be bothered.

Woops, fail.

Games Workshop has sued them....though with how generic Chapter house puts things it is hard for GW to file a legit lawsuit and get away with it.

Kanluwen wrote:Except for the whole fact that the case is still being tried, rather than thrown out as garbage showing that the judge feels there is at least some truth to GW's accusations.

Well the judge hasn't seen much evidence yet, both parties are in a tug of war as to what their claims are, and what evidence they have. The judge probably doesn't feel the need to throw it out because it's premature to make such a decision on the merits of the case on either side. There'd have to be an obviously fatal problem in GW's accusation (like they'd named the wrong people) for it to be thrown out at the moment. As long as GW are happy to plough on and it doesn't appear obviously malicious in intent, then the judge wouldn't throw it out.

I wouldn't hang a lot on the 'truth' of GW's accusations simply because the judge hasn't rejected the action outright. Often as you repeat this point, the fact that he is waiting merely shows he's not prejudicing the case, it doesn't mean he actually thinks GW have any truth to what they claim, merely that it's worth hearing out both sides. That isn't the same thing. The other problem is that if he rejects the case, GW will simply try again, which means he'd have to do it 'without prejudice' to end the matter, which is a distinct win for Chapterhouse. Seeing as both sides are still arguing the toss about what the claims are and what evidence they have to provide is, it probably wouldn't be appropriate to decide in their favour either.

Kanluwen wrote:Except for the whole fact that the case is still being tried, rather than thrown out as garbage showing that the judge feels there is at least some truth to GW's accusations.

You're doing it again...

You have to admit, if they didn't think so they would have thrown it out by now.

Howard A Treesong wrote:There'd have to be an obviously fatal problem in GW's accusation (like they'd named the wrong people) for it to be thrown out at the moment.

Actually, GW tried even that with Paulson, who has nothing to do with what GW accused him of. Now Paulson is out though because of "out of court settlement".

n0t_u wrote:You have to admit, if they didn't think so they would have thrown it out by now.

The judge is being nice by allowing GW more time to produce the elements required to bring an actual case (which they have not done in the first year of the case) and has actually compelled them to do so by a certain date (Feb?). CHS is also compelled to provide some info as well.

Apologies Dakka for not realising there was already a 68 page (and growing) thread. Interesting stuff though. Will be interested to see the outcome. If Chapterhouse win it could lead to many more similiar operations springing up. I know there are already some similiar ones but i can imagine it would catch on.

jac_boj wrote:Apologies Dakka for not realising there was already a 68 page (and growing) thread. Interesting stuff though.

No worries. It is an interesting case for all concerned, to be sure.

jac_boj wrote: Will be interested to see the outcome. If Chapterhouse win it could lead to many more similiar operations springing up. I know there are already some similiar ones but i can imagine it would catch on.

No worries: If aftermarket products will become legal, the world will not end.
And it is difficult to imagine even MORE tabletop conversion part companies than already exist.