Writing Traveller utilities

[wombatzoner]

I've been working on a relatively simple trade generator for Traveller. Nothing too complicated, right now it just does speculative trade (availability and purchase price based on trade codes, sale price based on trade codes). I'm kicking around the best way to add freight and passenger generation as well.

Could someone point me at the official Mongoose position on writing and releasing software utilities like this? I've been unable to find anything on their website so far.

 

[EDG]

Can't find the quote for you right now, but I'm fairly sure they've said that software would require a separate license... (at least if it was for commercial release).

 

[dmccoy1693]

Traveller Logo License: Section 4

The Traveller logo may only be used with English language gaming books (both printed and electronic). Foreign translations, novels, miniatures, computer games and other media are specifically exempt from this agreement. Third parties interested in producing such material are invited to contact Mongoose Publishing (msprange@mongoosepublishing.com) for a separate licence.

 

[BP]

... and releasing software utilities like this?

P.S. - the above would apply regardless of whether the utilities are free or commercial (since you are referring to releasing 'to the public').

 

[Golan2072]

Under the Mongoose SRD license, you can't publish software for Mongoose Traveller. However, if you write the utility for a previous, non-Mongoose version of Traveller (say, CT), that will be under the Fair Use Policy (FUP) and will be legal as long as it'll be distributed for free (totally non-commercially) and with the FUP notice in its README.

 

[Dave Chase]

Under the Mongoose SRD license, you can't publish software for Mongoose Traveller. However, if you write the utility for a previous, non-Mongoose version of Traveller (say, CT), that will be under the Fair Use Policy (FUP) and will be legal as long as it'll be distributed for free (totally non-commercially) and with the FUP notice in its README.

And T5 which fall under FFE's Fair Use policy.

Dave Chase

 

[Anonymous]

Im not sure if T5 would fall within the limit if the FFE FUP.
Reason is its not a previous, non-Mongoose version of Traveller - even the CD beta version came out after MGT and T5 is still to have its offical release yet.

 

[dmccoy1693]

To summerize, here are several options if you wish to use the base MGT system:

1) Contact Mongoose about getting a software license (this may cost money, but you get to use some kind of Traveller logo, or
2) Go the OGL route and release it without Mongoose's permission, but you cannot use the Traveller Logo anywhere on your product nor claim that it is compatible with Traveller. Also you still must be in compliance with the OGL (aka the Open Game License).

Note: I am not a Lawyer and this does not constitute legal advice.