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.

John,

The Dream Forge Model was a fairly close copy, even you have to admit that.

A better idea is the Mortian Heavy Tank (AKA Russ Clone) or the Ultra Forge stuff, close, but different enough that it raises an eyebrow, but not a fist.

Why do I see so many Imperator titans on this page? http://images.google.com/images?q=dreamforge

And again, Dreamforge is still active. They updated their site less than a week ago.

It's a copy only in the sense that it's a giant robot with Gothic details. Quite frankly, most cars today are more similar-looking to each other that the Dreamforge Leviathan is to an Imperator Titan, so GW hasn't a leg to stand on.

The Mortian has the same basic issues with basic layout, but is clearly not a Russ.

BTW, I really like the Ultraforge stuff.

Oh come on. The castle on the back has a different layout but it's all the same.
http://www.epic40k.co.uk/lib/comp/epicomp06/titan07.jpg

JohnHwangDD wrote:It's a copy only in the sense that it's a giant robot with Gothic details. Quite frankly, most cars today are more similar-looking to each other that the Dreamforge Leviathan is to an Imperator Titan, so GW hasn't a leg to stand on.

The Mortian has the same basic issues with basic layout, but is clearly not a Russ.

BTW, I really like the Ultraforge stuff.

The Mortian looks like it is made of cobbled Russ and Malcador parts. I'm amazed it's still up. That said I would buy one if it wasn't ~$90.

Kid_Kyoto wrote:

MasterSlowPoke wrote:They're not violating GW IP in any way.

GW does not have to sue and win.

They don't even have to sue.

All they have to do is make a credible threat to this young start up. WGF will take one look at the potential legal costs of fighting the claim, during which time they cannot release the Great Coats, and decide that historicals are a better way to go.

It would not be the first time.

I doubt GW can make a credible threat that infantry wearing greatcoats are their IP.

All WF need do is go on Google (or in this thread) find the pic I found of WW1 infantry in armour and send a copy to GW.

The disadvantage of GW's reliance on recycling historical motifs in their models is that they can't easily demonstrate originality of design.

GW wouldn't have a hope in hell.

The flat yet rounded flaps makes it look like armor is soft o_o...

Giant robots with castles on their backs could be argued to be a little too like GWs own product. But they don't hold the IP on historical uniforms. Other than the great coats, in what way are these figures like the DKOK? They've not even got similar gasmasks or chest armour, well most DKOK don't have chest armour. GW don't have that kind of control over miniatures being produced.

MasterSlowPoke wrote:And again, Dreamforge is still active. They updated their site less than a week ago.

I think that would more accurately be 'Dreamforge is active again'... They went very, very quite for a couple of years after the whole GW mess.

Keep in mind that Pig Iron produces both figures that could conceivably be used in 40k and those head sprues that all the IG armies seem to be using. Further, their website actually shows figures that have been converted for 40k use, and I haven't heard anything about GW even complaining, much less suing. I really don't think they have a legal leg to stand on in this case.

Hmm didnt GW introduce the WWI type guard in the 3rd ed codex after warzone released their plastics or is my memory unreliable again? Damn opiate painkillers...

Vermillion wrote:Hmm didnt GW introduce the WWI type guard in the 3rd ed codex after warzone released their plastics or is my memory unreliable again? Damn opiate painkillers...

Do you mean the Steel Legion? They're still avaialble, in metals, in the Classics line. I think someone noted that they're kind of a weird costume-shop mix of parts from German and British uniforms from WWI and WWII.

Kilkrazy wrote:

Kid_Kyoto wrote:

MasterSlowPoke wrote:They're not violating GW IP in any way.

GW does not have to sue and win.

All they have to do is make a credible threat to this young start up.

I doubt GW can make a credible threat that infantry wearing greatcoats are their IP.

All WF need do is go on Google (or in this thread) find the pic I found of WW1 infantry in armour and send a copy to GW.

Yeah, but the merits and facts of the case don't matter a bit. The only thing that matters is who has the bigger legal budget. If GW can force WF to spend more on their legal department than what they take in as revenue, GW automatically wins.

It doesn't at all.

You don't need a lawyer to fight a case. The McDonald's Libel Trial proved this. In fact it proved it's possible to engage massive legal muscle, win, be awarded damages of which you never receive a penny, lose massive amounts of money and goodwill, be publicly defied from the courthouse steps by the people you just 'defeated', have a book written which makes you a laughing stock, get forced to change your menu and your very branding.

Anyway, WF clearly think they are on safe ground and it's up to GW to threaten them if they think they can, so we can just draw up some easy chairs and get out the snacks and beers while we watch.

My bet is that GW won't make the slightest move. No judge in the world would take more than five minutes to laugh them out of court on an issue like greatcoats. They have been standard military issue since about 1700.

Anything's possible, but going to court over money without a lawyer is never a good idea.

Kilkrazy wrote:
I doubt GW can make a credible threat that infantry wearing greatcoats are their IP.

All WF need do is go on Google (or in this thread) find the pic I found of WW1 infantry in armour and send a copy to GW.

The disadvantage of GW's reliance on recycling historical motifs in their models is that they can't easily demonstrate originality of design.

They don't have to win in court, defending yourself in court costs money, all they have to do is convince small companies like Dream Forge that it's not worth the trouble of fighting.

And vice versa.

I bet two Space Pope bouncers that GW don't threaten to sue Wargames Factory about their greatcoat models.