Addon/Mod Ownership - Q&A.

[Placebo]

Quote[/b] ](Q If I create an addon using one of the tools provided free of charge by BIS who does the addon belong to?


(A Anything you create with our tools belongs to you entirely, you’re free to use it however you wish as long as you use it in a non-commercial way. You’re also free to allow someone else to use it or to refuse them permission to use it.

The only exception is if you wish to create something with our tools for use in a commercial venture, in that case you must contact BIS or BIA, or a company authorised to represent our rights in such matters to acquire a license.

Quote[/b] ]
(Q I created an addon with your tools which was released into the community for people to use. I have since learned that a company who license your engine for commercial purposes are using the addon without my permission, is that acceptable? Do BIS allow our addons to be used without permission? Can I do anything about it?


(A In short it’s not acceptable.

As far as we are concerned nobody is entitled to use any addon/mod (or part thereof) without the explicit permission of the addon/mod creator. We will never support someone using addons without proper permission.

Purchasing a license to use our engine for commercial purposes in no way gives carte blanche to use addons or any other content created by community members for our games.

If you see something that you have created being used without your permission then you should contact the person/company responsible to request they remove the item immediately

Quote[/b] ](Q I recently viewed a promotional video for the military training software “DARWARS Ambush!” The video showed addons that I have created being used without my permission.

(A Firstly, it should be noted that the promotional video which was circulated to promote “DARWARS Ambush!” and thus raised the issue at hand was released September 2004; it was recorded prior to that date and represents “DARWARS Ambush!” in an early developmental stage, the video does not reflect the current state of “DARWARS Ambush!”.


Subsequent to the raised issue of community content being used without permission in “DARWARS Ambush!”, representatives of Bohemia Interactive recently met with BBN (developers of “DARWARS Ambush!”) to discuss the issue. BBN informed us that they have removed all community created content that had been used without permission. BBN provided a demonstration of “DARWARS Ambush!” and no unauthorised community content was apparent.


It is important to note, military customers who use “Ambush!” under licence may subsequently download and use Flashpoint community created content without the permission/knowledge of BBN or Bohemia Interactive, unfortunately there is really no way to know if this is happening.


We would strongly suggest that all addon makers concerned about their addons being used in such a manner, and without permission, take the appropriate steps to include a EULA with all content they release into the community, the EULA should clearly states that the item must not be used in any kind of commercial way, that it can be used only as entertainment within Operation Flashpoint and is not to be used by military organisations for training.

For more information on EULA’s and similar please consider the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EULA

http://www.eulascan.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_software_licenses
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_license

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Quote[/b] ]In early 2005, after the first public announcement of DARWARS Ambush!, a litigation between BI and BBN arose over the use of BI's proprietary engine and tools within DARWARS Ambush!. The litigation has been settled and BBN’s use of BI Game Software and BI Tools in connection with DARWARS Ambush! is pursuant to a license.

[DM]

BBN’s use of BI Game Software and BI Tools in connection with DARWARS Ambush! is pursuant to a license.

What about BBN's alleged use of community made content?

[Placebo]

BBN’s use of BI Game Software and BI Tools in connection with DARWARS Ambush! is pursuant to a license.

What about BBN's alleged use of community made content?

Quote[/b] ]Purchasing a license to use our engine for commercial purposes in no way gives carte blanche to use addons or any other content created by community members for our games.

If you see something that you have created being used without your permission then you should contact the person/company responsible to request they remove the item immediately.

[DM]

Ooops, shouldn't skim-read the main post

I assume that companies are made aware of this fact when they apply for a license, as I would not be surprised for peoples attitudes towards addon makers to be "they're just kids, why should we listen to them." Otherwise we have no "clout" to our requests for cease and desist.

[Jahve]

Short, BBN are not without your expressed permission allowed to use your addons in their developments in any way shape or form.

Is this how it can be shortly understood?

It could be interpreted as unlawful use of interlectual property?

[Placebo]

The answer to the second question in my first post addresses the situation very clearly.

[Ironsight]

Quote[/b] ]If you see something that you have created being used without your permission then you should contact the person/company responsible to request they remove the item immediately

So if you see your addon being used you can contact the company. But how can you make sure your addon isn't used when you can't see it in screenshots for example?

[Jahve]

yes! that is also something I was wondering.. I'm convinced they use several other addons that they havent put in screenshots or videos that are available to the public

[andersgrim]

Is it not any more strict when we are talking about military and governmental use?

It is a fact that many addonmakers are from countries of which the government will not benefit from the developement of such a training simulator. And as it is used by the military, it may be used to train personnel for situations and conflicts not supported by the addonmaker(s) both politically and ethical.