Could I sell stratagem tokens?

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**Twilight Pathways**

I had an idea for creating tokens with the names of stratagems on to show which units are affected, which would take up far less space than the official stratagem cards. I noticed that no others exist, the only 40k tokens appear to be generic symbols. Then I thought, perhaps the reason they don't exist is that GW would clamp down on anyone using the names of stratagems from their codexes. Anyone know how likely that is? I've seen plenty of 3rd party tokens for other systems but maybe they're just more laissez-faire.

After realising that it could be copyright infringement I assumed there's little point in pursuing the idea, but didn't want to rule it out without seeing if anyone knows for definite.

**BaconCatBug**

Yes, it's illegal.

**Slipspace**

Given how few people I see using the actual names for most stratagems I'm not even sure it would be that helpful. The only really helpful thing is having a token to mark that there's some kind of effect on a unit. Having said that, I'm struggling to think of too many stratagems that have persistent effects you'd need to be specifically reminded of. Forgetting what stratagems you've played has never been a big deal in any games I've played or seen.

Forgetting which stratagems you could play though...

**Giantwalkingchair**

The moment you sell, or even advertise to sell, it's illegal.
Nothing stopping you from making them up for your own personal use.

**Platuan4th**

BaconCatBug wrote:Yes, it's illegal.

Giantwalkingchair wrote:The moment you sell, or even advertise to sell, it's illegal.
Nothing stopping you from making them up for your own personal use.

No, it isn't. The OP isn't talking about making something that states the rule or replaces the cards, they're talking about a token that says the Strat name(which are all simple phrases not inherently copyrightable, many of which have been used in non-GW media before) and that's it. It's no different from the various Weapon Destroyed tokens various companies used to sell.

**Ordana**

Pretty sure GW doesn't own a copyright on the name of stratagems so I don't see how it would be illegal unless you include rules.

**Keel**

Why is it illegal?

The rule mechanics themselves are not copyrightable. Names or phrases are also not copyrightable/meeting the treshold of originality.

The stratagem names are not explicitly trademarked, nor has GW sold any products under the names.

**Apple fox**

I suspect going though them that most of them are fine, But some may be iffy.

You would probably have to go though each one and make a call for yourself.

**macluvin**

Could also make a “not that stratagem” by getting creative.

**Togusa**

Not sure, a local store where I am sells something like this. They "ask for a donation" and then you get the little coins as a gift.

**General Kroll**

We just put the actual card next to the unit to remind each other what effects are in place.

**Vector Strike**

I'm planning on doing simple tokens in cardboard for many stratagems and faction abilities. Tokens help a lot to avoid missing rules triggers and timings!

**Sgt. Cortez**

The biggest problem is probably that 40K's rules change at a pace where once you start selling your tokens half of them gets invalidated half a year later. That's why I probably won't buy another card deck as I don't want to replace them every 2 years, for 12€ they're just too expensive.
So, if you only put the names on coins they might be future proofed as GW tends to reuse rule names through the editions. If you plan on also adding a hint to the effect it has it's probable not that useful for long.
Personally I would actually like that, not just for stratagems, but also for psychic powers, litanies and even relics. If you're a casual player you tend to forget these easily.

**Apple fox**

We just use warmachine tokens with dry erase markers. So if you could do Lazer print tokens with Strat, then a place to write you could probably do some cool tokens.

**Type40**

Apple fox wrote:
We just use warmachine tokens with dry erase markers. So if you could do Lazer print tokens with Strat, then a place to write you could probably do some cool tokens.

this is exactly what my playgroup does. A little token that you can dry erase on is ideal. One set is good for any army AND guests.

**Karol**

We use plastic laminated ones for stuff like auras, persistent psychic power buffs or different sort of special rules, like for example unique objectives or terrain rules.

But GW does does go hard on people that try to advertise those online. They really seem to hate the idea of someone making stuff for w40k, even if they don't produce that same kind of product or produce it but at some mind blowing price like their hobby tools or paints.

**Twilight Pathways**

Thanks for the feedback all, sounds like it might be worth giving it a go.

**Dysartes**

Absolute worst case, make the dry-erase style tokens, as they can be used for a variety of games if done well. You can then describe 40k as a potential use case, and I'm pretty sure GW would have no leg to stand on.

Don't forget to reference the big paragraph of doom if you dare to use one of their trademarks, of course.