The Open RPG Creative license

 A big deal has been about the Open RPG Creative license.  Or ORC (hereafter, as ORC).  I think its a good idea that all publishers should look into.  It allows you to license your RPG game as license content out to other creators.  In fact, Basic Roleplaying is a licensed product under the ORC.

The ORC Allows you to:

* License out your game mechanics to be used by downstream publishers in derivative works.  Just your game mechanics.

* Protect your Trademarks and story and other elements as Product Identity.  For RIFTS and Palladium Fantasy -- this would be the worlds these games are based on.

* Allows, currently, a safe harbor for 1st party publishers and 3rd party publishers.  This allows for more creativity within the game community.

The ORC license doesn't allow:

* Violation of your trade marks and other Product Identity.  This means for Palladium Books their trademarks will be theirs.  But remember, the idea is to create a virtual circle in allowing for derivative works to be produced.  If a trademark is violated, then the Upstream publisher will allow the malefactor sixty days to repair his breach or be sued.

I am not a lawyer, but I think strongly that the ORC license is ultimately a good thing for the hobby.  Several publishers are on board with the ORC license, and several games will be released within the ORC license.  The first of these, Basic Roleplaying, has already been released.  Chaosium was brave to do so, but it means that their fans will be able to produce derivative works without fear or reprisal.

More over, the license will be unable to be amended, changed, altered, or revoked.  That's why Azora Law is working to make it right the first time.  The license is in it's second draft.  You can join the beautiful discord group and join the conversation.  There is an FAQ that is called the AxE, that you can also download and read.  It explains what the License is, although it's not to be construed as a Lawer/Client relationship. Check them out!