Intellectual Property: Difference between revisions

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This page covers many questions some users may have about what they can and cannot do about {{Name|bi}}'s or other licenses '''for a free, non-commercial use'''.
This page covers many questions some users may have about what they can and cannot do about {{Name|bi}}'s or other licenses '''for a free, non-commercial use'''.


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|-
|-
| License
| License
| {{Wikipedia|License}}
| {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/License}}
|-
|-
| End-User License Agreement (EULA)
| End-User License Agreement (EULA)
| {{Wikipedia|End-user license agreement}}
| {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-user_license_agreement}}
|-
|-
| Intellectual Property (IP)
| Intellectual Property (IP)
| {{Wikipedia|Intellectual property}}
| {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property}}
|-
|-
| Fair Use
| Fair Use
| {{Wikipedia|Fair use}} / {{Wikipedia|Fair dealing}}
| {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use}} / {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing}} / {{Link|https://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/fair-use/what-is-fair-use/|Stanford uni link}}
|-
| Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
| {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMCA}} / {{Link|https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf|US Summary}}
|}
|}
=== Fair Use ===
{{Feature|quote|You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means|Iñigo Montoya|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v{{=}}G2y8Sx4B2Sk}}
"Fair Use" is very often called as the ideal line of defense regarding copyright infringement.<br>
Alas for its subscribers, Fair Use most likely means allowed '''''for research and educational purpose''''', under which gaming/modding does not fall.
It is also a '''personal, non-commercial''' "default license" that cannot cover a mod team nor Steam distribution of such work.
For more information, see the Wikipedia articles {{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use}}&nbsp;/&nbsp;{{Link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_dealing}} above.
=== Personal Use ===
"Personal Use", as "Fair Use", is also frequently used to justify illegal IP usage.<br>
Personal use means '''for oneself only'''. Personal use does '''not''' cover group usage (e.g friends, clans), let alone '''reuploads'''.




== {{Name|bi}} ==
== {{Name|bi}} ==


{{Informative | Regarding {{Name|bi|short}} tools usage, '''anything that went through [[:Category:Official Tools|{{Name|bi|short}} Tools]] can NOT be sold'''. See [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]] for more information.}}
{{Feature|armaR|For {{armaR}}, see {{GameCategory|armaR|Modding|Official Tools|text= Workbench}}'s {{Link|https://store.steampowered.com/eula/1874910_eula_1|EULA}} and its {{Link|https://reforger.armaplatform.com/news/eula-faq|FAQ}}.}}


{| class="wikitable"
{{Messagebox/BI
! Category !! Action !! Allowed !! Conditions
| Important:
| Regarding BI Tools usage, '''anything that went through [[:Category:Official Tools|{{Name|bi|short}} Tools]] can NOT be sold''' by default, without '''express authorisation''' from {{Name|bi}}.
See [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]] for more information.
}}
 
{| class="wikitable"<!-- cannot use align-center-col-3 due to present rowspan -->
! Category
! Action
! Allowed
! Conditions
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | Mods &amp; PBO
| rowspan="4" | Mods &amp; PBO
| Buying/Selling mods
| Buying/Selling mods
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''pbo''' files
| Buying/Selling '''pbo''' files
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
| Porting {{Name|bi|short}} games' reverse-engineered content to other titles
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| Forward-porting previous {{Name|bi|short}} games content to newer ones
| Forward-porting previous {{Name|bi|short}} games' {{Link|https://www.bohemia.net/community/licenses/licensed-data-packages|Licensed Data Package}} content to newer {{Name|bi|short}} titles
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 3D Models
| rowspan="3" | 3D Models
| Buying/Selling '''p3d''' 3D models
| Buying/Selling '''p3d''' 3D models
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''non-p3d''' 3D models
| Buying/Selling '''non-p3d''' 3D models
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''non-p3d''' to '''p3d''' conversion service
| Buying/Selling '''non-p3d''' to '''p3d''' conversion service
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | Textures
| rowspan="3" | Textures
| Buying/Selling '''paa''' textures
| Buying/Selling '''paa''' textures
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''non-paa''' textures
| Buying/Selling '''non-paa''' textures
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''non-paa''' to '''paa''' conversion service
| Buying/Selling '''non-paa''' to '''paa''' conversion service
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | Text content
| rowspan="3" | Text content
| Buying/Selling '''sqf''' scripts
| Buying/Selling '''sqf''' scripts
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''cpp''' (config) files
| Buying/Selling '''cpp''' (config) files
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
| Buying/Selling '''bin''' (binarised config) files
| Buying/Selling '''bin''' (binarised config) files
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|unchecked}}
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
| [[End User License Agreement for BI%27s Tools|BITools EULA]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | Monetizing in-game content
| rowspan="2" | Monetising in-game content
| Giving/Taking money for {{arma3}} server content
| Giving/Taking money for {{arma3}} server content
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| [https://www.bohemia.net/monetization Monetization Rules]
| {{Link|https://www.bohemia.net/monetization|Monetisation Rules}}
|-
|-
| Giving/Taking money for {{dayz}} server content
| Giving/Taking money for {{dayz}} server content
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| [https://www.bohemia.net/monetization Monetization Rules]
| {{Link|https://www.bohemia.net/monetization|Monetisation Rules}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" | Media Monetizing
| rowspan="1" | Media Monetising
| Monetizing a video of {{Name|bi|short}} game(s)
| Monetising a video of {{Name|bi|short}} game(s)
| style="text-align: center" | {{task/}}
| style="text-align: center" | {{Icon|checked}}
| [https://www.bohemia.net/community/game-content-usage-rules/monetization-youtube Monetization Rules]
| {{Link|https://www.bohemia.net/community/game-content-usage-rules/monetization-youtube|Monetisation Rules}}
|}
|}


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* [[Bohemia Interactive Community:Guidelines]]
* [[Bohemia Interactive Community:Guidelines]]


=== {{armaSeries}} ===
=== {{arma}} ===


* Data provided in [[Arma Licensed Data Pack]]:
* Data provided in [[Arma Licensed Data Pack]]:
** '''can''' be modified and/or used to make an {{armaSeries}} mod
** '''can''' be modified and/or used to make an {{arma}} mod
** '''cannot''' be modified nor used in other games
** '''cannot''' be modified nor used in other games
* Data that is '''not''' listed in [[Arma Licensed Data Pack]] '''cannot''' be modified nor used in any way.
* Data that is '''not''' listed in [[Arma Licensed Data Pack]] '''cannot''' be modified nor used in any way.
Line 111: Line 142:


* Data provided in [[Take On Helicopters Data Pack]]:
* Data provided in [[Take On Helicopters Data Pack]]:
** '''can''' be modified and/or used to make an {{armaSeries}} mod (or a {{tkoh}} one)
** '''can''' be modified and/or used to make an {{arma}} mod (or a {{tkoh}} one)
** '''cannot''' be modified nor used in other games
** '''cannot''' be modified nor used in other games
* Data that is '''not''' listed in [[Take On Helicopters Data Pack]] '''cannot''' be modified nor used in any way.
* Data that is '''not''' listed in [[Take On Helicopters Data Pack]] '''cannot''' be modified nor used in any way.
Line 118: Line 149:
== Steam EULA ==
== Steam EULA ==


[https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/ Steam Subscriber Agreement] ([https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/#6 User Generated Content paragraph])
{{Link|link= https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/|text= Steam Subscriber Agreement}} ({{Link|link= https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/#6|text= User Generated Content paragraph}})
* items '''must''' be uploaded by the creator/owner/group account. It is '''forbidden''' to upload an item that was made by someone else
* items '''must''' be uploaded by the creator/owner/group account '''or''' the uploader must have been authorised to do so by the aforementioned creator(s). It is '''forbidden''' to upload an item that was made by someone else otherwise.
** even with their permission - the creator/owner would have to ''give'' ownership and remove any other versions from the workshop
 


=== Other Intellectual Properties ===
== Other Intellectual Properties ==


In a general manner, companies do not agree to usage of their Intellectual Property without a license agreement.
In a general manner, companies do not agree to usage of their Intellectual Property without a license agreement.
Here are some licenses detailed '''for a free, non-commercial use'''.
Here are some licenses detailed '''for a free, non-commercial use'''.


{{BIMessagebox|Important|Please note that this page is provided '''as an assistance''' and should in no way be a legal reference.<br><!--
{{Messagebox/BI
-->{{Name|bi}} cannot and will not be held responsible for any license misuse you may commit.<br><!--
| Important:
-->'''You and only you''' will be held responsible for your actions. As a general rule of thumb, '''read and abide by''' each company's EULA'''.<br><!--
| Please note that this table is provided '''as an assistance''' and should in no way be considered a legal reference.<br>
-->Use the provided information at your own risk!}}
{{Name|bi}} '''cannot''' and '''will not''' be held responsible for any license misuse you may commit.<br>
'''You and only you''' will be held responsible for your actions. As a general rule of thumb, '''read and abide by each company's EULA'''.<br>
<br>
'''Use the provided information at your own risk!'''
}}
 
{{Feature|informative|This table was last updated on '''2024-05-30''' and may be obsolete at the time of reading.
* '''Read the respective EULA''' to be sure, as '''your''' personal responsibility is involved!
* You can provide additional information on the {{Link|https://discord.gg/arma|Arma Discord Server}}, in the {{hl|#community_wiki}} channel.
}}


{{Informative | This information was last updated on 2020-10-27 and may be obsolete at the time of reading. '''Read the EULA''' to be sure!}}


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable align-center-col-2 align-center-col-5" style="margin: auto"
! License !! Owned by !! EULA !! Agreement-less<br>usage !!  Licensing<br>contact
! License !! Owned by !! EULA !! Agreement-less<br>usage !!  Licensing contact
|-
! Babylon 5
| {{Link|https://www.warnerbros.com/|Warner Bros<br>Licensing Company of America}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{Colorball|grey|1.25}} Unknown
| {{Link|https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/services/clip-and-still-licensing|Contact info}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.syfy.com/battlestar-galactica|BattleStar Galactica}}
| {{Link|https://www.universalstudios.com/|Universal Studios}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
| {{n/a}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.battletech.com/|BattleTech}} / {{Link|https://mechwarrior.com/|MechWarrior}}
| {{Link|https://www.topps.com/|The Topps Company}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
| {{n/a}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.ea.com/games/command-and-conquer|Command and Conquer}}
| {{Link|https://www.ea.com/|Electronic Arts}}
| {{Link|https://www.ea.com/terms-of-service|Terms of Service}}
| {{Colorball|#AACCFF|1.25}} ''Seems'' to be tolerated
| {{n/a}}
|-
! DC Comics
| {{Link|https://www.warnerbros.com/|Warner Bros}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{Colorball|grey|1.25}} Unknown
| {{Link|https://www.warnerbros.com/studio/services/clip-and-still-licensing|Contact info}}
|-
! {{Link|https://fallout.bethesda.net/|Fallout}}
| {{Link|https://bethesda.net/|Bethesda}}
| {{Link|https://bethesda.net/en/document/terms-of-service|Zenimax Media Terms of Service}}
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
| {{Link|https://www.zenimax.com/more|Contact info}}
|-
! {{Link|https://gearsofwar.com/|Gears of War}}
| {{Link|https://www.microsoft.com/|Microsoft Studios}}
| {{Link|https://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules|Dev Rules}}
| {{Colorball|#AACCFF|1.25}} ''Seems'' to be accepted
| {{n/a}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.halowaypoint.com/|Halo}}
| {{Link|https://www.microsoft.com/|Microsoft Studios}}
| {{Link|https://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules|Dev Rules}}
| {{Colorball|#AACCFF|1.25}} ''Seems'' to be accepted
| {{n/a}}
|-
! Marvel Comics
| {{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/who-do-i-contact-to-license-content-from-marvel-films/|The&nbsp;Walt&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;Company<br>Marvel}}
|
* {{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/|Walt Disney Studios Licensing}}
* {{Link|https://disneytermsofuse.com/english/|Terms of Use}}
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
|
{{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/who-do-i-contact-to-license-content-from-marvel-films/|Contact info 1}}<br>
{{Link|https://www.marvel.com/help/category/11|Contact info 2}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.metalgearsolid.com/|Metal Gear Solid}}
| {{Link|https://www.konami.com/|Konami}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{Colorball|grey|1.25}} Unknown
| {{n/a}}
|-
! {{Link|http://www.scpwiki.com/|SCP Foundation}}
| {{Link|http://www.scpwiki.com/|SCP wiki}}
| {{Link|http://www.scpwiki.com/licensing-guide|SCP Licensing Guide}} ({{Link|https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/|CC-BY-SA}})
| {{Colorball|#AACCFF|1.25}} ''Seems'' to be tolerated<br>
: {{GVI|arma3|1.00|size= 0.75}} '''not''' to be uploaded to [[Steam]]'s Workshop as it would go against EULA<br>
: {{GVI|armaR|1.0.0|size= 0.75}} {{Link|Arma Reforger:Workshop|Workshop}} upload is OK with a custom license
| {{Link|http://05command.wikidot.com/license-experts-main|Contact info}}
|-
! {{Link|https://www.stalker-game.com/|S.T.A.L.K.E.R}}
| {{Link|https://www.gsc-game.com/|GSC Game}}
|
* {{Link|https://www.gsc-game.com/eula/|EULA}}
* {{Link|https://www.gsc-game.com/guidelines/|Fan Content Creation Guidelines}}
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
|
{{Link|mailto:support@gsc-game.com|support@gsc-game.com}}<br>
{{Link|mailto:legal@gsc-game.com|legal@gsc-game.com}}
|-
|-
! Command and Conquer
! {{Link|https://www.mgm.com/franchise/stargate|Stargate}}
| Electronic Arts
| {{Link|https://www.mgm.com/|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}} - ''known'' as OK
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
! Gears of War
! {{Link|http://www.starshiptroopers.com/|Starship Troopers}}
| Microsoft Studios
| {{Link|https://www.sonypictures.com/|Sony Pictures Home Entertainement}}
| [https://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules Dev Rules]
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}} - ''known'' as OK
| {{Colorball|grey|1.25}} Unknown
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
! HALO
! {{Link|https://www.startrek.com/|Star Trek}}
| Microsoft Studios
| {{Link|https://intl.startrek.com/licensees|CBS Entertainment}}
| [https://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules Dev Rules]
| {{Link|https://cbsinteractive.com/legal/cbsi/terms-of-use/|Terms of Use}}
| {{n/a}} - ''known'' as OK
| {{Colorball|#AACCFF|1.25}} ''Seems'' to be tolerated
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
|-
! Star Wars
! {{Link|https://www.starwars.com/|Star Wars}}
| [https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/who-do-i-contact-to-license-content-from-lucasfilm-ltd/ The Walt Disney Company&nbsp;/&nbsp;LucasFilm Ltd.]
| {{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/who-do-i-contact-to-license-content-from-lucasfilm-ltd/| The&nbsp;Walt&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;Company<br>LucasFilm Ltd.}}
| [https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/ Walt Disney Studios Licensing]
| style="text-align: center" | {{task}}
|
|
Christopher Holm<br>
* {{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/|Walt Disney Studios Licensing}}
Ph: (415) 623-1938<br>
* {{Link|https://disneytermsofuse.com/english/|Terms of Use}}
chris.holm@lucasfilm.com
| {{Colorball|red|1.25}} No
| {{Link|https://www.disneystudiolicensing.com/who-do-i-contact-to-license-content-from-lucasfilm-ltd/|Contact info}}
|-
|-
! Warhammer
! {{Link|https://www.games-workshop.com/Warhammer-Age-of-Sigmar|Warhammer}}
| [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/ Games Workshop]
| {{Link|https://www.games-workshop.com/|Games Workshop}}
| [https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Intellectual-Property-Policy IP Policy]
| {{Link|https://www.games-workshop.com/Intellectual-Property-Policy|Intellectual Property Policy}}
| {{n/a}} - ''should'' be OK<br>Unsure about distribution
| {{Colorball|orange|1.25}} Unsure about distribution
| licensing@gwplc.com
| {{Link|https://www.games-workshop.com/Intellectual-Property-Policy|Contact info}}
|}
|}


=== "Fair Use" ===


{{quote|You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means|Iñigo Montoya|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v{{=}}G2y8Sx4B2Sk&}}
{{Feature|informative|<div style{{=}}"font-size: 1.1em; min-height: 3em; text-align: center">
The above table is about '''agreement-less''' usage; keep in mind it is always possible to '''ask''' owners for their '''permission''' to adapt their intellectual properties in {{arma}}.<br>
You may already have a "no", but all you risk is a "yes"!
</div>
}}
 
 
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
 
{{Messagebox/BI
| Important:
| Please note that this FAQ is provided '''as an assistance''' and should in no way be considered a legal reference.<br>
{{Name|bi}} '''cannot''' and '''will not''' be held responsible for any license misuse you may commit.<br>
'''You and only you''' will be held responsible for your actions. As a general rule of thumb, '''read and abide by each company's EULA'''.<br>
<br>
'''Use the provided information at your own risk!'''
}}
 
 
; {{Color|green|Can I use models from a game of my favourite franchise? I will give credits!}}
: '''Not if these models have been ripped (extracted from the game)
: '''Not without permission''' of both the model's rights owner '''and''' the franchise's intellectual property owner. Giving credits without permission is legally meaningless.
 


; {{Color|green|All the models are made from the ground up, so I can use the universe of my favourite Intellectual Property, correct?}}
: '''No.''' Using '''copyrighted material''' (the universe, terms, lore) without permission is not allowed. Ask for permission or do not, there is no try.
; {{Color|green|I use models for a free videogame usage, this goes under Fair Use?}}
: '''No.''' In short, Fair Use is valid for a creation's '''criticism''' or '''studying''' and not for public release of any sort. Refer to {{Link|#Fair Use}} to know more about why claiming Fair Use is wrong regarding modding.
; {{Color|green|So, in order to do anything, what do I need?}}
: '''Two''' conditions are required:
:* to have the Intellectual Property owner's '''permission''':
:** the permission can be implicit (the EULA can allow modders to create content without specifically asking)
:** the permission can be explicit (the EULA states that by default no content can be created unless approved)
:* to have models:
:** the models ''can'' come from another game - provided the model rights' owner provided an implicit or explicit '''permission'''
:** the models must otherwise be created from scratch
Anything else is intellectual property (copyright, trademark) infringement.


"Fair Use" is very often called as the ideal line of defense regarding copyright infringement.<br>
Alas for its subscribers, Fair Use most likely means allowed '''''for research and educational purpose''''', under which gaming/modding does not fall.
It is also a '''personal, non-commercial''' "default license" that cannot cover a mod team nor Steam distribution of such work.


== See Also ==


{{Informative | See Wikipedia's article {{Wikipedia|Fair use}}.}}
* {{Link|https://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/}} - Stanford University's information page about "Fair Use"
* {{Link|https://sqi.workshopcrawler.com/}} - an unofficial Steam workshop tool that detects reuploads
* {{Link|https://arma3practicalipguide.blogspot.com/}} - Practical guide to IP in {{arma3}}
* {{Link|https://soundcloud.com/armahosts-llc/ep-37-intellectual-property}} - a {{Link|https://www.radioarma.com/|Radio Arma}} podcast on the matter




[[Category:Community Wiki]]
[[Category:Public Data]]

Latest revision as of 17:44, 3 July 2024

This page covers many questions some users may have about what they can and cannot do about Bohemia Interactive's or other licenses for a free, non-commercial use.


Definitions

Term Definition
License License
End-User License Agreement (EULA) End-user license agreement
Intellectual Property (IP) Intellectual property
Fair Use Fair use / Fair dealing / Stanford uni link
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) DMCA / US Summary

Fair Use

«
« You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means » – Iñigo Montoya (source)


"Fair Use" is very often called as the ideal line of defense regarding copyright infringement.
Alas for its subscribers, Fair Use most likely means allowed for research and educational purpose, under which gaming/modding does not fall. It is also a personal, non-commercial "default license" that cannot cover a mod team nor Steam distribution of such work.

For more information, see the Wikipedia articles Fair use / Fair dealing above.

Personal Use

"Personal Use", as "Fair Use", is also frequently used to justify illegal IP usage.
Personal use means for oneself only. Personal use does not cover group usage (e.g friends, clans), let alone reuploads.


Bohemia Interactive

Arma Reforger
For Arma Reforger, see Workbench's EULA and its FAQ.
bi symbol white.png
Important:
Regarding BI Tools usage, anything that went through BI Tools can NOT be sold by default, without express authorisation from Bohemia Interactive. See BITools EULA for more information.
Category Action Allowed Conditions
Mods & PBO Buying/Selling mods Unchecked BITools EULA
Buying/Selling pbo files Unchecked BITools EULA
Porting BI games' reverse-engineered content to other titles Unchecked BITools EULA
Forward-porting previous BI games' Licensed Data Package content to newer BI titles Checked BITools EULA
3D Models Buying/Selling p3d 3D models Unchecked BITools EULA
Buying/Selling non-p3d 3D models Checked N/A
Buying/Selling non-p3d to p3d conversion service Unchecked BITools EULA
Textures Buying/Selling paa textures Unchecked BITools EULA
Buying/Selling non-paa textures Checked N/A
Buying/Selling non-paa to paa conversion service Unchecked BITools EULA
Text content Buying/Selling sqf scripts Checked N/A
Buying/Selling cpp (config) files Checked N/A
Buying/Selling bin (binarised config) files Unchecked BITools EULA
Monetising in-game content Giving/Taking money for Arma 3 server content Checked Monetisation Rules
Giving/Taking money for DayZ server content Checked Monetisation Rules
Media Monetising Monetising a video of BI game(s) Checked Monetisation Rules

See also:

Arma

Take On Helicopters


Steam EULA

Steam Subscriber Agreement (User Generated Content paragraph)

  • items must be uploaded by the creator/owner/group account or the uploader must have been authorised to do so by the aforementioned creator(s). It is forbidden to upload an item that was made by someone else otherwise.


Other Intellectual Properties

In a general manner, companies do not agree to usage of their Intellectual Property without a license agreement. Here are some licenses detailed for a free, non-commercial use.

bi symbol white.png
Important:
Please note that this table is provided as an assistance and should in no way be considered a legal reference.

Bohemia Interactive cannot and will not be held responsible for any license misuse you may commit.
You and only you will be held responsible for your actions. As a general rule of thumb, read and abide by each company's EULA.

Use the provided information at your own risk!
ⓘ
This table was last updated on 2024-05-30 and may be obsolete at the time of reading.
  • Read the respective EULA to be sure, as your personal responsibility is involved!
  • You can provide additional information on the Arma Discord Server, in the #community_wiki channel.


License Owned by EULA Agreement-less
usage		 Licensing contact
Babylon 5 Warner Bros
Licensing Company of America 		N/A
Unknown 		Contact info
BattleStar Galactica Universal Studios N/A
No 		N/A
BattleTech / MechWarrior The Topps Company N/A
No 		N/A
Command and Conquer Electronic Arts Terms of Service
Seems to be tolerated 		N/A
DC Comics Warner Bros N/A
Unknown 		Contact info
Fallout Bethesda Zenimax Media Terms of Service
No 		Contact info
Gears of War Microsoft Studios Dev Rules
Seems to be accepted 		N/A
Halo Microsoft Studios Dev Rules
Seems to be accepted 		N/A
Marvel Comics The Walt Disney Company
Marvel
No

Contact info 1
Contact info 2

Metal Gear Solid Konami N/A
Unknown 		N/A
SCP Foundation SCP wiki SCP Licensing Guide (CC-BY-SA)
Seems to be tolerated
Arma 3 logo black.png1.00 not to be uploaded to Steam's Workshop as it would go against EULA
armareforger-symbol black.png1.0.0 Workshop upload is OK with a custom license
 Contact info
S.T.A.L.K.E.R GSC Game
No

support@gsc-game.com
legal@gsc-game.com

Stargate Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios N/A
No 		N/A
Starship Troopers Sony Pictures Home Entertainement N/A
Unknown 		N/A
Star Trek CBS Entertainment Terms of Use
Seems to be tolerated 		N/A
Star Wars The Walt Disney Company
LucasFilm Ltd.
No 		Contact info
Warhammer Games Workshop Intellectual Property Policy
Unsure about distribution 		Contact info


ⓘ

The above table is about agreement-less usage; keep in mind it is always possible to ask owners for their permission to adapt their intellectual properties in Arma.
You may already have a "no", but all you risk is a "yes"!


Frequently Asked Questions

bi symbol white.png
Important:
Please note that this FAQ is provided as an assistance and should in no way be considered a legal reference.

Bohemia Interactive cannot and will not be held responsible for any license misuse you may commit.
You and only you will be held responsible for your actions. As a general rule of thumb, read and abide by each company's EULA.

Use the provided information at your own risk!


Can I use models from a game of my favourite franchise? I will give credits!
Not if these models have been ripped (extracted from the game)
Not without permission of both the model's rights owner and the franchise's intellectual property owner. Giving credits without permission is legally meaningless.


All the models are made from the ground up, so I can use the universe of my favourite Intellectual Property, correct?
No. Using copyrighted material (the universe, terms, lore) without permission is not allowed. Ask for permission or do not, there is no try.


I use models for a free videogame usage, this goes under Fair Use?
No. In short, Fair Use is valid for a creation's criticism or studying and not for public release of any sort. Refer to Fair Use to know more about why claiming Fair Use is wrong regarding modding.


So, in order to do anything, what do I need?
Two conditions are required:
  • to have the Intellectual Property owner's permission:
    • the permission can be implicit (the EULA can allow modders to create content without specifically asking)
    • the permission can be explicit (the EULA states that by default no content can be created unless approved)
  • to have models:
    • the models can come from another game - provided the model rights' owner provided an implicit or explicit permission
    • the models must otherwise be created from scratch

Anything else is intellectual property (copyright, trademark) infringement.


See Also

Retrieved from "https://community.bistudio.com/wiki?title=Intellectual_Property&oldid=364957"