Legality of game remakes

Hi,

I am new here, so maybe this is not the place to ask...
I asked before, but I feel I need more opinions on this subject.

I've recently started coding some remakes of games, really retro (=old) games. Like space invaders for example (see (URL address blocked: See forum rules))

My question is, there are soo many remakes out there, all carying a variation on the name space invaders, but we all know what game they are emulating. Is it really neccasery to change the name, so it doesnt actually contain the actuall title of the original?

Also, I heard about Cease and Desist letters, sent to people breaking copyrights. Is it fair practise (and save), to depend on a company to send you a letter first, and a lawyer after.... After all, after a C&D letter, you could just remove it from the net, and thats that....

Also I am confused where abouts I could find information regarding if a title is copyrighted/trademarked, by whom, and if its still valid (for really old games)... I've done some googling, but found nothing conclusive..

/Chaos51

No, you can't use the name "Space Invaders" legally it is a trademark not subject to copyright law at all.

Cease and desist letters come when you are not a real big pain in the buttocks. If you are, they don't bother, they just litigate. There is no line. That decision is up to the litigants.

Hey, Thanks

You are actually the first that could help me find a place where to lookup trademarks...

Hmmm, I wonder if those are valid internationally though... Since i'm not in the US..

/C51

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