Using Real life terms?

I have a legitimate question about something today. So say i have factions in my game and one of them is the US Army. And in one of the classes in my game you can use a M4A1 with a ACOG sight. would i have to say something in the credits or pay them? thanks!

 

Saying US is probably not a problem. same goes for weapons, though there was a case against battlefield 3 on a helicopter. Haven't heard anything else though on the subject.

 

I would love to see a game were the US/England/ the other countries that are on the "good" side get beaten I would think then there would be a stink over using there names

 

Some of the symbols of the US Armed forces are trademarked, just be prudent on what you use, and do a search to make sure you're not going to get in trouble. My advice is to just be as generic as possible.

 

That's actually a good question and a real concern. I know that the Derringer family sued a developer (the game Mafia... I think) for using the Derringer gun in the game.

 

I'd assume that the M4A1 and ACOG Scope are considered trademarks. If thats the case you would need written consent to use them.

Id suggest calling it an Assault Rifle instead of a M4A1, or create your own abbreviation for it. Same with the gun scope. Better safe than sorry.

 

Yes, the safest choice is to just make up the names.

 

looked up some terms on this site: http://www.trademarkia.com/trademarks-search.aspx?tn=m4a1
says the m4a1 is NOT a trade mark but the Colt M4a1 is. So i will definitely be looking around a little more. It would be VERY interesting to find out if i'll get sued or not

 

Many games play at safe by using parody names, or changing a fish/horse/cat to some other with any numbers changed to one before or after, or adding/removing a zero. Sometimes the design of a weapon or vehicle is also protected, in which case you can probably add 50s style tail fins to everything

 

There's nothing interesting about possibly being sued.

Rather play safe. Don't use any known names.
If you want to use similar looking designs at least make yours unique enough so you can't get sued for them either.

 

Yes, make up the names. You'd have to license them otherwise. That's why Counter-Strike had made-up-but-kinda-similar names for all the weapons.

 

You mean like Gallipoli? I don't know but I bet you could search for a game called Gallipoli and someone has made it to try and get rich off of it.

 

Good advice. It's as simple as changing AK-47 to CV-47.

 

When in doubt, don't. That's the best advice. Odds are, nothing would happen, but ... if it does, the last thing you want is to give your 'riches' to the lawyers.

Don't do it.
Gigi

 

Please let us know if you do, people ask this question all the time.

 

Sorry it took 2 years to respond, Just wanted to let the people know who were wondering, I decided to go generic and play it safe. Thanks for the comments!