Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello everyone!


So I'm trying to find some sayings/ symbols that are NOT copyright protected by GW but that INSTANTLY bring to mind 40K. I'm doing this because I'm going to try a little start up project to see how it works out, but I'd rather not step on GWs toes if I can help it.


So I'm looking for about 5-10 designs that aren't copyrighted but that clearly epitomize Warhammer 40K. Also, it would help if you through ones out there that you wouldn't mind owning! Something you'd consider buying if you thought it was cool.


I'll explain more about the project and hopefully have a sample worked up once we figure out what designs can be used!

Skulls aren't copyrighted, are they?

I mean, surely you can't copyright a skull?

Because nothing says 40k like a pit of skulls.

The eight-pointed star of Chaos is not copyrighted by GW and existed long before GW.

Perfect!

That's exactly the kind of stuff I'm looking for!

Thanks! Keep the ideas coming!

Could I sell a non-inverted Omega (that customers could then 'flip over') as an Ultramarine symbol? Can't copyright a dead language, right?

Other companies do similar things. However, you'll have difficulty selling them as shoulder pads and suchlike unless the pads are completely reversible.

There are some lore concepts that GW can't specifically copyright, but these aren't quite so visual. The idea of magic that draws on a place where dwell unpleasant folks that can possess the wizards and cause problems is sufficiently vague that it's popped up elsewhere.

As for visual things if you took a splinter rifle and stripped off some of the spikes/streamlined it more?

I dont understand how you are profiting. Are you making plastic bits? Decals?

http://shop.subversivecrossstitch.com/products/pdf-sarcastic-dog


something like that, only 40K.

Could be a total flop, could be a cool thing people would like hanging in their game rooms and paint stations.

Only one way to find out!

'There is only war!'

 Blacksails wrote:
Skulls aren't copyrighted, are they?

I mean, surely you can't copyright a skull?

Because nothing says 40k like a pit of skulls.

be careful with that, as the 40k chapter skull looks identical to the Harley Davidson skull (small chips out of it and all), so you ciuld have multiple lawsuits on your hand haha

 godswildcard wrote:
Hello everyone!


So I'm trying to find some sayings/ symbols that are NOT copyright protected by GW but that INSTANTLY bring to mind 40K. I'm doing this because I'm going to try a little start up project to see how it works out, but I'd rather not step on GWs toes if I can help it.


So I'm looking for about 5-10 designs that aren't copyrighted but that clearly epitomize Warhammer 40K. Also, it would help if you through ones out there that you wouldn't mind owning! Something you'd consider buying if you thought it was cool.


I'll explain more about the project and hopefully have a sample worked up once we figure out what designs can be used!

Look at the Chapterhouse case - there's a pile of stuff that GW asserted but failed to prove they own... meaning you can use it.

Awesome! Thanks!