https://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Pat&feedformat=atomUltronomicon - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T06:24:50ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.35.7https://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33836Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-06-07T18:36:34Z<p>Pat: </p>
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<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. <br />
<br />
This article summarizes the relevant law, events, evidence, and disputes. This includes: <br />
<br />
* Whether Stardock violated Copyright by selling the original Star Control games<br />
* Whether Reiche and Ford violated Trademark when they announced Ghosts of the Precursors<br />
* Whether Stardock's plans to include older Star Control aliens violates Copyright, and whether their Trademark applications will succeed<br />
* How the licensing agreement might affect these issues, and whether that agreement is still valid<br />
* Whether the parties have misled customers about who was involved in the original games or forthcoming games<br />
* What efforts the parties have made to compromise, and if any compromise is still possible<br />
<BR><br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup><br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that these assets included the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 describes the ''Term'' of the agreement, which would continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> In an email from the early 2000s, Ford claims that Accolade "told<br />
us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings."<sup>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml]</sup> By this time, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> More recently, Reiche and Ford have claimed that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> <br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
In addition to the ''Term'' clause, Reiche and Ford have highlighted three other clauses that would have caused the license to expire before Stardock's puchase:<br />
<br />
* Paragraph 12.1 states that the "Agreement may not be assigned by (Accolade) without first obtaining the written consent of (Reiche and Ford)".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> <br />
<br />
* Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement terminates upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
* The 1998 addendum to the 1988 agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/1823244996]</sup> This includes Greg Johnson, who has credited Reiche and Ford for "having created the games",<sup>[https://twitter.com/ToejamGreg/status/967526760563621888]</sup> and described Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup> Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-10''': Reiche and Ford tell fans they have deliberately kept their rights to Star Control 1 and 2.<sup>[https://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=2150.msg28301#msg28301]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07-24''': Stardock tells fans that Reiche and Ford directly own the copyright in Star Control 1&2, and may be able to work on a new Star Control game.<sup>[http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=5463.msg71121#msg71121]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33835Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-06-07T18:27:05Z<p>Pat: </p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. <br />
<br />
This article summarizes the relevant law, events, evidence, and disputes. This includes: <br />
<br />
* Whether Stardock violated Copyright by selling the original Star Control games<br />
* Whether Reiche and Ford violated Trademark when they announced Ghosts of the Precursors<br />
* Whether Stardock's plans to include older Star Control aliens violates Copyright, and whether their Trademark applications will succeed<br />
* How the licensing agreement might affect these issues, and whether that agreement is still valid<br />
* Whether the parties have misled customers about who was involved in the original games or forthcoming games<br />
* What efforts the parties have made to compromise, and if any compromise is still possible<br />
<BR><BR><br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup><br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that these assets included the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 describes the ''Term'' of the agreement, which would continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> In an email from the early 2000s, Ford claims that Accolade "told<br />
us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings."<sup>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml]</sup> By this time, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> More recently, Reiche and Ford have claimed that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> <br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
In addition to the ''Term'' clause, Reiche and Ford have highlighted three other clauses that would have caused the license to expire before Stardock's puchase:<br />
<br />
* Paragraph 12.1 states that the "Agreement may not be assigned by (Accolade) without first obtaining the written consent of (Reiche and Ford)".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> <br />
<br />
* Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement terminates upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
* The 1998 addendum to the 1988 agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/1823244996]</sup> This includes Greg Johnson, who has credited Reiche and Ford for "having created the games",<sup>[https://twitter.com/ToejamGreg/status/967526760563621888]</sup> and described Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup> Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-10''': Reiche and Ford tell fans they have deliberately kept their rights to Star Control 1 and 2.<sup>[https://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=2150.msg28301#msg28301]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07-24''': Stardock tells fans that Reiche and Ford directly own the copyright in Star Control 1&2, and may be able to work on a new Star Control game.<sup>[http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=5463.msg71121#msg71121]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33824Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-25T01:51:18Z<p>Pat: adding some research provided by Svdb</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup><br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that these assets included the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 describes the ''Term'' of the agreement, which would continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> In an email from the early 2000s, Ford claims that Accolade "told<br />
us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings."<sup>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml]</sup> By this time, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> More recently, Reiche and Ford have claimed that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> <br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
In addition to the ''Term'' clause, Reiche and Ford have highlighted three other clauses that would have caused the license to expire before Stardock's puchase:<br />
<br />
* Paragraph 12.1 states that the "Agreement may not be assigned by (Accolade) without first obtaining the written consent of (Reiche and Ford)".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> <br />
<br />
* Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement terminates upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
* The 1998 addendum to the 1988 agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/1823244996]</sup> This includes Greg Johnson, who has credited Reiche and Ford for "having created the games",<sup>[https://twitter.com/ToejamGreg/status/967526760563621888]</sup> and described Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup> Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-10''': Reiche and Ford tell fans they have deliberately kept their rights to Star Control 1 and 2.<sup>[https://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=2150.msg28301#msg28301]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07-24''': Stardock tells fans that Reiche and Ford directly own the copyright in Star Control 1&2, and may be able to work on a new Star Control game.<sup>[http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=5463.msg71121#msg71121]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33818Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T22:56:34Z<p>Pat: /* Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/1823244996]</sup> This includes Greg Johnson, who has credited Reiche and Ford for "having created the games",<sup>[https://twitter.com/ToejamGreg/status/967526760563621888]</sup> and described Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup> Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33817Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T20:50:49Z<p>Pat: /* Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/1823244996]</sup> This allegedly includes Greg Johnson, who praised Paul Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe" for Star Control.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup> Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33816Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T20:38:34Z<p>Pat: /* Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Over the years, Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33815Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T20:38:11Z<p>Pat: /* Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Over the years, Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91]</sup> 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> <br />
Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33814Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T20:19:30Z<p>Pat: /* What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33813Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T20:18:38Z<p>Pat: /* What about the recent Trademark applications? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===<br />
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup> with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1]</sup> A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.<br />
<br />
=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===<br />
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".<sup>[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html]</sup> That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.<sup>[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref]</sup><sup>[https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]</sup><br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33812Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T19:03:16Z<p>Pat: /* But is the agreement still valid? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33811Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-18T18:59:49Z<p>Pat: /* Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
Characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup> According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals)</sup> The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2)</sup> which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup> A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=File:Star_Control_3_Addendum.png&diff=33810File:Star Control 3 Addendum.png2018-05-18T17:59:11Z<p>Pat: Blanked the page</p>
<hr />
<div></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=File:Star_Control_3_Addendum.png&diff=33809File:Star Control 3 Addendum.png2018-05-18T17:56:54Z<p>Pat: Pat uploaded a new version of File:Star Control 3 Addendum.png</p>
<hr />
<div>The beginning of the Star Control 3 Addendum, where Reiche licenses certain rights to Accolade to develop Star Control 3.</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=File:Star_Control_3_Addendum.jpg&diff=33808File:Star Control 3 Addendum.jpg2018-05-18T17:53:32Z<p>Pat: The beginning of the Star Control 3 Addendum, where Reiche licenses certain rights to Accolade to develop Star Control 3.</p>
<hr />
<div>The beginning of the Star Control 3 Addendum, where Reiche licenses certain rights to Accolade to develop Star Control 3.</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=File:Star_Control_3_Addendum.png&diff=33807File:Star Control 3 Addendum.png2018-05-18T17:44:37Z<p>Pat: The beginning of the Star Control 3 Addendum, where Reiche licenses certain rights to Accolade to develop Star Control 3.</p>
<hr />
<div>The beginning of the Star Control 3 Addendum, where Reiche licenses certain rights to Accolade to develop Star Control 3.</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33799Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-10T01:24:17Z<p>Pat: /* Dispute and legal action: 2017-present */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup><br />
<br />
According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''' Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''' Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''' Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''' Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between the Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===<br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock's file legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]<br />
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.<sup>[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33798Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-10T01:16:02Z<p>Pat: /* Timeline of Star Control */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup><br />
<br />
According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Dispute and legal action: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)<sup><br />
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]</sup><br />
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''' Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-09''' Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> (Both announcements are later re-edited.)<br />
* '''2017-10-19''' Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-10-19''' Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> <br />
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between the Stardock and Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)</sup><br />
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.<sup>[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]</sup><br />
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)</sup><br />
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock's file legal claim against Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33797Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-09T23:41:32Z<p>Pat: /* Timeline of Star Control */</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup><br />
<br />
According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]</sup><br />
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]</sup><br />
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]</sup><br />
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.<sup>[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]</sup><br />
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]</sup><br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.<sup>[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]</sup><br />
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control".<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup><br />
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]</sup><br />
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1)</sup> According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup><br />
<br />
=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===<br />
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.<sup>[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]</sup><br />
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]</sup><br />
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.<sup>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]</sup><br />
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]</sup><br />
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.<sup>[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]</sup><br />
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.<sup>[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]</sup> <br />
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". <sup>[http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]</sup><br />
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup><br />
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup><br />
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.<sup>[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211]</sup> <BR>&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]</sup><br />
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.<sup>[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]</sup><br />
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.<sup>[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.<sup>[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]</sup><br />
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "rights lapsed many years ago". Atari responds "I had our attorney check this out and you are correct." They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]</sup><br />
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]</sup><br />
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.<sup>[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]</sup><br />
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]</sup><br />
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup> Wired,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/]</sup> and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "the IP rights we acquired from Atari", for the price "at our (Stardock's) cost".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]</sup><br />
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.<sup>[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]</sup> <br />
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward" and they "cannot be officially involved at present".<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "very supportive", and that "Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup><br />
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project".<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]</sup><br />
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens", and acknowledges they own "personal, common-law copyright".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]</sup><br />
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission".<sup>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)</sup><br />
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock debuts teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* '''2017-08''': (correspondence...)<br />
* '''2017-09''': (negotiation around announcements)<br />
* '''2017-10''': (further negotiations, P&F anniversary announcement, GOTP announcement on both sides)<br />
* '''2017-11''': (DMCA, Stardock anniversary announcement, Fleet Battles beta)<br />
* '''2017-12''': (lawsuit)<br />
* '''2017-02''': (defense and counter-claim)<br />
* '''2017-03''': (settlement offers)<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33796Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-09T21:26:20Z<p>Pat: one more citation check. good work everyone. 130 references!</p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png]</sup> and packaging,<sup>[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg]</sup> as well as the sequel's packaging.<sup>[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png]</sup> This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4)</sup> Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]</sup> (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57)</sup>)<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,<sup>[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1]</sup> which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].<sup>[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf]</sup> One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music]</sup> Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]</sup> <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)</sup> Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.<sup>[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]</sup><br />
<br />
According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''<sup>[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</sup></blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668]</sup>, or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.<sup>[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,<sup>[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7)</sup>, Spawn,<sup>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court]</sup> and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).<sup>[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2)</sup> Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.<sup>[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3]</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.<sup>[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup> The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.<sup>[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/]</sup> Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2)</sup> Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii)</sup> Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</sup> Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7)</sup> and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b)</sup> but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II)</sup> Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup> Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)</sup><br />
<br />
It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope]</sup> settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins"<sup>.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a)</sup> This echoes their request in private settlement.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5)</sup> If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41)</sup> but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48)</sup> Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.<br />
<br />
Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33795Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-09T19:33:59Z<p>Pat: </p>
<hr />
<div>This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far. <br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/]. (However, their lawsuit does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf])<br />
<br />
''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===<br />
<br />
Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract. <br />
<br />
When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/] <br />
<br />
Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]<br />
<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===<br />
<br />
The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris] <br />
<br />
According to federal courts:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote><br />
<br />
Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]<br />
<br />
Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]<br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s original announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that the announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)(</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup> and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]</sup><br />
<br />
== Outcomes ==<br />
<br />
=== Who will win in court? ===<br />
<br />
There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.<br />
<br />
=== Can this be settled out of court? ===<br />
<br />
In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] <br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]<br />
<br />
Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]<br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. <br />
<br />
The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]<br />
<br />
=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Talk:Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33794Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-09T19:07:02Z<p>Pat: /* Contested facts need special care */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Work together and stay neutral ==<br />
<br />
Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track. <br />
<br />
As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans. <br />
<br />
If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.<br />
<br />
The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Community Q+A guidelines ==<br />
<br />
=== Editor behavior ===<br />
<br />
* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.<br />
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.<br />
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.<br />
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines. <br />
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.<br />
<br />
=== Verification in reliable sources ===<br />
<br />
* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.<br />
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking<br />
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law. <br />
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties. <br />
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers. <br />
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly. <br />
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed. <br />
<br />
=== Neutrality ===<br />
<br />
* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.<br />
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.<br />
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.<br />
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.<br />
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.<br />
<br />
=== Readability ===<br />
<br />
* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.<br />
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.<br />
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.<br />
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.<br />
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.<br />
<br />
<br />
== What Are You Doing ==<br />
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==<br />
<br />
@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Music Copyright ==<br />
<br />
Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
: Addendum 3 is not transferring ownership; it's giving Accolade permission to use Reiche's IP. I tried to present this as another point to consider, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music. [[User:Mormont|Mormont]] ([[User talk:Mormont|talk]]) 21:20, 6 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Footnotes / references ==<br />
<br />
. For now I'm putting some of the footnotes in the middle of the text. In the long run we should figure out how to create some wiki templates for this. We're gonna need a lot of references. I'm gonna do my best on the timeline stuff and maybe someone more technical can help cleanup. [[User:Oghor|Oghor]] ([[User talk:Oghor|talk]]) 03:08, 15 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== The importance of good references ==<br />
<br />
Hey guys. Didn't mean to ghost on this, but I'm glad to see other people taking the helm. This is meant to be community-driven, starting with editors who are able to separate their personal opinions from relatively uncontroversial facts. <br />
<br />
Looking at the issues raised by everyone, it seems like we all want to keep this factual. The guidelines I posted weren't anything original. They were meant to be an short summary of guidelines from Wikipedia as we work on something that might be invaded by trolls.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, someone said we should have a reference template (as seen on Wikipedia). And to echo concerns (especially from [[User:Shiver|Shiver]] and [[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]]), I don't want anyone here pushing an agenda. I want everyone (including me) to quote the primary sources (Stardock / Paul & Fred's public statements of claim and statements) and any other reliable legal experts. Having good references will allow us to separate facts from opinions, and protect this project from opinion-pushers and trolls. <br />
<br />
I made an honest shot at trying to import the reference templates from Wikipedia ("ref" and "reflist"), but it looks to be beyond my skillset and access. Would one of the mods be able to help us out?<br />
<br />
Otherwise I'll try to painstakingly re-organize and consolidate the references. <br />
<br />
Thanks everyone who contributed so far. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 01:38, 23 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Contested facts need special care ==<br />
<br />
Hi [[User:SharkD|SharkD]]. Regarding where you said "The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that Reiche and Ford own intellectual property rights in characters, plot lines, settings and terminology from the first two games.", the language in Addendum 3 is not entirely clear on that: It could be interpreted to mean that the license in Addendum #3 covers any such IP R&F have in the first two games, without actually giving them ownership of anything not granted by the prior agreements. In any case, Stardock has not conceded that point, and we do want to be especially careful not to present as plain fact anything that is contested by either side. Could you adjust your additions to reflect this? --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 01:13, 9 May 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
: Hey [[User:Elestan|Elestan]] this is a tricky one. I'll try to match the language of the actual addendum itself and then let readers decide. Separate issue... where do you see Stardock contesting the copyrights? The lawsuit only makes an issue of Star Control 3, and they even made a forum post saying they don't contest it.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/] For sure I don't want to miss anything. Can you find me a source for the stuff you added about disputing Reiche and Ford's ownership in the original games? [[User:SharkD|SharkD]] ([[User talk:SharkD|talk]]) 01:35, 9 May 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:: Stardock doesn't claim to own them, but they haven't conceded that Paul and Fred own them either. Check their [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf First Amended Complaint] #50; "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II." --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 02:07, 9 May 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
::: I threw in the comment about not having contributed to SC1 and SC2, because we can attribute that to an actual source. The other stuff I'm having trouble finding a source for. It also seems like a huge tangent to start getting into burden of proof, because a lawsuit heavily implies that everyone has some burden to prove their claims. If we started to talk about who needs to prove what, literally every section would need another paragraph, and it would mostly state the obvious. Maybe we add a general note at the top about evidence and proof? [[User:SharkD|SharkD]] ([[User talk:SharkD|talk]]) 19:42, 9 May 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
Good work guys. We'll keep hammering away at it, trying to find a balance between thoroughness and careful references. I'm going to double check the references now and do some cleanup. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 21:07, 9 May 2018 (CEST)</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33769Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-07T02:04:56Z<p>Pat: /* Unfair competition */ fixing these too</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup> <br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)(</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54)</sup> If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)</sup><br />
<br />
Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]</sup> Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,<sup>[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]</sup> and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]</sup> Journalists have followed suit,<sup>[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]</sup>, and continued to call them the creators in recent years.<sup>[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review]</sup><sup>[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]</sup><br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]</sup> Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/]</sup> as well as 2017.<sup>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/]</sup> Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.<sup>[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist]</sup> In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.<sup>[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]</sup> Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup> In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]</sup> After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]</sup><br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33768Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-07T01:56:16Z<p>Pat: /* Copyright */ cleaning up citations</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics]</sup><sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect]</sup> This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. <br />
<br />
The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf]</sup> For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.<sup>[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law]</sup><sup>[https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/]</sup> The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]</sup> <br />
<br />
=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===<br />
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]</sup> Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,<sup>[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come]</sup> and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred]</sup> In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.<sup>[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/]</sup> Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===<br />
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update]</sup> Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1)</sup> Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20)</sup> whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)</sup><br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)(</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Paul and Fred are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Paul and Fred "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] If Paul and Fred are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow. <br />
<br />
The old publisher and Trademark holder of Star Control have called Paul and Fred the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called Paul and Fred the creators in the 90s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] as well as the 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1] <br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Paul and Fred's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Paul and Fred as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit] <br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Paul and Fred have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Paul and Fred's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Paul and Fred, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Paul and Fred have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33767Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-07T01:48:57Z<p>Pat: /* Trademarks */ fixing citations</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Computer software, as well as literary works and other forms of authorship, can be protected by copyright. This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. It also includes the exclusive right to create derivative works based on the original work. (Source: BitLaw Summary https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/scope.html)<br />
<br />
=== What is a derivative work? ===<br />
A derivative work is a new work based on content from another copyrighted work. For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.(Source: Legal Zoom, https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law)<br />
<br />
=== So is there a dispute over the copyright? ===<br />
Not exactly. Stardock has agreed with Paul Reiche and Fred Ford that they are the legal copyright holders in Star Control 1 and Star Control 2. However, this became an issue when Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam, which Reiche and Ford have said that they do not authorize. Stardock has pointed out that their issue with the sales of the original games also includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement". (Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) However, Paul and Fred would be partial owner of Star Control 3, as the very sequel itself uses copyrighted characters and content from the original games. Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star control that required an agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford.(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
While Stardock has admitted that Reiche and Ford are the legal copyright holders in those games, Stardock believes they purchased a legal license to some of the content within those games, including the right to sell and distribute those games.(Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) This would likely be the 1988 licensing agreement, where Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games,(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement) and which Stardock purchased from Atari at bankruptcy.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.)<br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1)</sup> Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)(</sup> However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)</sup><br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<sup>[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]</sup><br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."<sup>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/]</sup> Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".<sup>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors]</sup> Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.<sup>[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)</sup><br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.<sup>[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]]</sup> This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.<sup>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1]</sup> As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Paul and Fred are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Paul and Fred "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] If Paul and Fred are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow. <br />
<br />
The old publisher and Trademark holder of Star Control have called Paul and Fred the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called Paul and Fred the creators in the 90s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] as well as the 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1] <br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Paul and Fred's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Paul and Fred as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit] <br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Paul and Fred have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Paul and Fred's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Paul and Fred, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Paul and Fred have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33766Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-07T01:19:02Z<p>Pat: fixing citations. let's try to use a system of citations that's easy, readable, and consistent.</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Computer software, as well as literary works and other forms of authorship, can be protected by copyright. This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. It also includes the exclusive right to create derivative works based on the original work. (Source: BitLaw Summary https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/scope.html)<br />
<br />
=== What is a derivative work? ===<br />
A derivative work is a new work based on content from another copyrighted work. For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.(Source: Legal Zoom, https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law)<br />
<br />
=== So is there a dispute over the copyright? ===<br />
Not exactly. Stardock has agreed with Paul Reiche and Fred Ford that they are the legal copyright holders in Star Control 1 and Star Control 2. However, this became an issue when Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam, which Reiche and Ford have said that they do not authorize. Stardock has pointed out that their issue with the sales of the original games also includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement". (Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) However, Paul and Fred would be partial owner of Star Control 3, as the very sequel itself uses copyrighted characters and content from the original games. Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star control that required an agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford.(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
While Stardock has admitted that Reiche and Ford are the legal copyright holders in those games, Stardock believes they purchased a legal license to some of the content within those games, including the right to sell and distribute those games.(Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) This would likely be the 1988 licensing agreement, where Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games,(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement) and which Stardock purchased from Atari at bankruptcy.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.)<br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===<br />
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.<sup>[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html]</sup> A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.<br />
<br />
=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===<br />
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1)</sup> It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)</sup> <br />
<br />
An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup> (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf]</sup> Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]</sup><br />
<br />
Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,<sup>[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14)</sup> who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup><br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.(Source: Atari-Stardock Asset Purchase Agreement) Reiche/Ford have acknowledged and offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".(Source: Reiche/Ford Settlement Proposal) However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.(Source: Reiche/Ford Defense and Counter-Claim)<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<br />
<br />
* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October, 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".(Source: Reiche/Ford Ghosts Announcement) Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."(Source: Rock Paper Shotgun quote of unedited Stardock announcement, https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/) Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".(Source: Stardock edited announcement) Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.(Source: Stardock Claim against Reiche/Ford)<br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.(Source: Stardock applications for Trademarks) This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the court has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.(Source: USPTO Response to Stardock) As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Paul and Fred are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Paul and Fred "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] If Paul and Fred are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow. <br />
<br />
The old publisher and Trademark holder of Star Control have called Paul and Fred the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called Paul and Fred the creators in the 90s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] as well as the 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1] <br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Paul and Fred's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Paul and Fred as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit] <br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Paul and Fred have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Paul and Fred's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Paul and Fred, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Paul and Fred have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33765Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-07T01:15:49Z<p>Pat: great work guys. filling in some more gaps.</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Computer software, as well as literary works and other forms of authorship, can be protected by copyright. This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. It also includes the exclusive right to create derivative works based on the original work. (Source: BitLaw Summary https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/scope.html)<br />
<br />
=== What is a derivative work? ===<br />
A derivative work is a new work based on content from another copyrighted work. For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.(Source: Legal Zoom, https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law)<br />
<br />
=== So is there a dispute over the copyright? ===<br />
Not exactly. Stardock has agreed with Paul Reiche and Fred Ford that they are the legal copyright holders in Star Control 1 and Star Control 2. However, this became an issue when Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam, which Reiche and Ford have said that they do not authorize. Stardock has pointed out that their issue with the sales of the original games also includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement". (Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) However, Paul and Fred would be partial owner of Star Control 3, as the very sequel itself uses copyrighted characters and content from the original games. Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star control that required an agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford.(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
While Stardock has admitted that Reiche and Ford are the legal copyright holders in those games, Stardock believes they purchased a legal license to some of the content within those games, including the right to sell and distribute those games.(Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) This would likely be the 1988 licensing agreement, where Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games,(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement) and which Stardock purchased from Atari at bankruptcy.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.)<br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== What is a licensing agreement? ===<br />
A copyright holder can legally transfer their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.(Source: Bitlaw, https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html) It is a contract, and the terms of such a license can be whatever the parties decide is fair.<br />
<br />
=== 1988 Licensing Agreement ===<br />
The 1988 licensing agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford. (Source: 1988 Accolade Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
Later addenda to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3 (and an unfinished Star Control 4 game that never came to fruition). Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade. (Source: Addenda to 1988 Accolade Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari, who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights. <br />
<br />
Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy, which includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.) <br />
<br />
=== But is the agreement still valid? ===<br />
<br />
The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire. <br />
<br />
Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1)</sup> By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html]</sup>, SC2,<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html]</sup>, and SC3.<sup>[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html]</sup> Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)</sup> Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1)</sup> This would have expired on April 1, 2001.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]</sup><br />
<br />
In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.<sup>[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25)</sup> Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]</sup> Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.<sup>[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]</sup> <br />
<br />
The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1)</sup> Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)</sup> In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,<sup>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1)</sup> which Atari filed for in 2013.<sup>[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.(Source: Atari-Stardock Asset Purchase Agreement) Reiche/Ford have acknowledged and offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".(Source: Reiche/Ford Settlement Proposal) However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.(Source: Reiche/Ford Defense and Counter-Claim)<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<br />
<br />
* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October, 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".(Source: Reiche/Ford Ghosts Announcement) Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."(Source: Rock Paper Shotgun quote of unedited Stardock announcement, https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/) Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".(Source: Stardock edited announcement) Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.(Source: Stardock Claim against Reiche/Ford)<br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.(Source: Stardock applications for Trademarks) This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the court has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.(Source: USPTO Response to Stardock) As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
Both sides have alleged Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Paul and Fred are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
Stardock alleges that Paul and Fred "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] If Paul and Fred are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow. <br />
<br />
The old publisher and Trademark holder of Star Control have called Paul and Fred the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called Paul and Fred the creators in the 90s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] as well as the 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1] <br />
<br />
Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Paul and Fred's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Paul and Fred as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit] <br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
Paul and Fred have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Paul and Fred's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Paul and Fred, prior to the lawsuit.<br />
<br />
Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Paul and Fred have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Paul and Fred had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33763Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-05-05T20:19:26Z<p>Pat: /* How does the DMCA takedown process work? */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
==== Star Control 1 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 2 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.<br />
<br />
===== Music =====<br />
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.<br />
<br />
Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
==== Star Control 3 ====<br />
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000<br />
<br />
'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.<br />
<br />
[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
Computer software, as well as literary works and other forms of authorship, can be protected by copyright. This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work. It also includes the exclusive right to create derivative works based on the original work. (Source: BitLaw Summary https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/scope.html)<br />
<br />
=== What is a derivative work? ===<br />
A derivative work is a new work based on content from another copyrighted work. For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.(Source: Legal Zoom, https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law)<br />
<br />
=== So is there a dispute over the copyright? ===<br />
Not exactly. Stardock has agreed with Paul Reiche and Fred Ford that they are the legal copyright holders in Star Control 1 and Star Control 2. However, this became an issue when Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam, which Reiche and Ford have said that they do not authorize. Stardock has pointed out that their issue with the sales of the original games also includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement". (Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) However, Paul and Fred would be partial owner of Star Control 3, as the very sequel itself uses copyrighted characters and content from the original games. Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star control that required an agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford.(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
While Stardock has admitted that Reiche and Ford are the legal copyright holders in those games, Stardock believes they purchased a legal license to some of the content within those games, including the right to sell and distribute those games.(Source: Stardock Q&A, https://www.stardock.com/games/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred) This would likely be the 1988 licensing agreement, where Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games,(Source: Accolade 1988 Licensing Agreement) and which Stardock purchased from Atari at bankruptcy.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.)<br />
<br />
=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===<br />
<br />
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup> As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.<sup>[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245]</sup><sup>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy]</sup> The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]</sup><br />
<br />
The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:<sup>[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]</sup>:<br />
<br />
* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''<sup>[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)</sup><br />
<br />
This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.<sup>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act]</sup> These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,<sup>[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/]</sup> and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.<sup>[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]</sup><br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== What is a licensing agreement? ===<br />
A copyright holder can legally transfer their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.(Source: Bitlaw, https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html) It is a contract, and the terms of such a license can be whatever the parties decide is fair.<br />
<br />
=== 1988 Licensing Agreement ===<br />
The 1988 licensing agreement between Accolade and Reiche/Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford. (Source: 1988 Accolade Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
Later addenda to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3 (and an unfinished Star Control 4 game that never came to fruition). Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade. (Source: Addenda to 1988 Accolade Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===<br />
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari, who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights. <br />
<br />
Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy, which includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.(Source: Stardock-Atari Asset Purchase agreement.) However, there are clauses in the 1988 agreement that suggest that the license to those rights were extinguished, including termination of the license upon bankruptcy.(Source: 1988 Accolade Licensing Agreement)<br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.(Source: Atari-Stardock Asset Purchase Agreement) Reiche/Ford have acknowledged and offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".(Source: Reiche/Ford Settlement Proposal) However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.(Source: Reiche/Ford Defense and Counter-Claim)<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."<br />
<br />
* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube<br />
<br />
=== What is the dispute? ===<br />
In October, 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".(Source: Reiche/Ford Ghosts Announcement) Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."(Source: Rock Paper Shotgun quote of unedited Stardock announcement, https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/) Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".(Source: Stardock edited announcement) Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.(Source: Stardock Claim against Reiche/Ford)<br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.(Source: Stardock applications for Trademarks) This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the court has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.(Source: USPTO Response to Stardock) As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}<br />
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}<br />
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}<br />
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}<br />
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}<br />
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}<br />
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.<br />
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.<br />
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade. <br />
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''<br />
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb;<BR> [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control. <br />
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''<br />
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics. <br />
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''<br />
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.<br />
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control;<BR>(April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.<br />
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.<br />
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}<br />
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}<br />
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}<br />
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}<br />
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}<br />
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}} <br />
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."'' <br />
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}<br />
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''<br />
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}<br />
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.<br />
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}<br />
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}<br />
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''<br />
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}} <br />
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}<br />
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}<br />
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}<br />
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}<br />
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}<br />
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}<br />
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.<br />
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.<br />
<BR><br />
<BR><br />
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.<br />
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.<br />
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.<br />
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN. <br />
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).<br />
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.<br />
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.<br />
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.<br />
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.<br />
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.<br />
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.<br />
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.<br />
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.<br />
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.<br />
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.<br />
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''<br />
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.<br />
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku.<BR>(October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. <BR> (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers<br />
<br />
== List of References ==<br />
=== Court Received===<br />
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]<br />
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]<br />
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]<br />
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]<br />
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]<br />
<br />
=== Fred and Paul Provided ===<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]<br />
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]<br />
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]<br />
<br />
=== Stardock Provided ===<br />
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]<br />
<br />
=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===<br />
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]<br />
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]<br />
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III<br />
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc<br />
<br />
=== Game Related Materials ===<br />
==== Screenshots ====<br />
<gallery><br />
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen<br />
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen<br />
</gallery></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Talk:Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33750Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-04-22T23:38:58Z<p>Pat: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Work together and stay neutral ==<br />
<br />
Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track. <br />
<br />
As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans. <br />
<br />
If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.<br />
<br />
The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Community Q+A guidelines ==<br />
<br />
=== Editor behavior ===<br />
<br />
* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.<br />
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.<br />
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.<br />
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines. <br />
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.<br />
<br />
=== Verification in reliable sources ===<br />
<br />
* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.<br />
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking<br />
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law. <br />
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties. <br />
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers. <br />
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly. <br />
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed. <br />
<br />
=== Neutrality ===<br />
<br />
* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.<br />
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.<br />
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.<br />
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.<br />
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.<br />
<br />
=== Readability ===<br />
<br />
* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.<br />
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.<br />
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.<br />
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.<br />
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.<br />
<br />
<br />
== What Are You Doing ==<br />
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==<br />
<br />
@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Music Copyright ==<br />
<br />
Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
: Addendum 3 is not transferring ownership; it's giving Accolade permission to use Reiche's IP. I tried to present this as another point to consider, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music. [[User:Mormont|Mormont]] ([[User talk:Mormont|talk]]) 21:20, 6 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== Footnotes / references ==<br />
<br />
. For now I'm putting some of the footnotes in the middle of the text. In the long run we should figure out how to create some wiki templates for this. We're gonna need a lot of references. I'm gonna do my best on the timeline stuff and maybe someone more technical can help cleanup. [[User:Oghor|Oghor]] ([[User talk:Oghor|talk]]) 03:08, 15 April 2018 (CEST)<br />
<br />
== The importance of good references ==<br />
<br />
Hey guys. Didn't mean to ghost on this, but I'm glad to see other people taking the helm. This is meant to be community-driven, starting with editors who are able to separate their personal opinions from relatively uncontroversial facts. <br />
<br />
Looking at the issues raised by everyone, it seems like we all want to keep this factual. The guidelines I posted weren't anything original. They were meant to be an short summary of guidelines from Wikipedia as we work on something that might be invaded by trolls.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, someone said we should have a reference template (as seen on Wikipedia). And to echo concerns (especially from [[User:Shiver|Shiver]] and [[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]]), I don't want anyone here pushing an agenda. I want everyone (including me) to quote the primary sources (Stardock / Paul & Fred's public statements of claim and statements) and any other reliable legal experts. Having good references will allow us to separate facts from opinions, and protect this project from opinion-pushers and trolls. <br />
<br />
I made an honest shot at trying to import the reference templates from Wikipedia ("ref" and "reflist"), but it looks to be beyond my skillset and access. Would one of the mods be able to help us out?<br />
<br />
Otherwise I'll try to painstakingly re-organize and consolidate the references. <br />
<br />
Thanks everyone who contributed so far. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 01:38, 23 April 2018 (CEST)</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Template:Main_other&diff=33749Template:Main other2018-04-22T23:20:30Z<p>Pat: Created page with "{{#switch: <!--If no or empty "demospace" parameter then detect namespace--> {{#if:{{{demospace|}}} | {{lc: {{{demospace}}} }} <!--Use lower case "demospace"--> |..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{#switch:<br />
<!--If no or empty "demospace" parameter then detect namespace--><br />
{{#if:{{{demospace|}}} <br />
| {{lc: {{{demospace}}} }} <!--Use lower case "demospace"--><br />
| {{#ifeq:{{NAMESPACE}}|{{ns:0}}<br />
| main<br />
| other<br />
}} <br />
}}<br />
| main = {{{1|}}}<br />
| other<br />
| #default = {{{2|}}}<br />
}}<noinclude><br />
<br />
* see documentation on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Main_other<br />
<!-- Add categories and interwikis to the /doc subpage, not here! --><br />
</noinclude></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Template:Reflist&diff=33748Template:Reflist2018-04-22T23:19:47Z<p>Pat: trying to create this stuff, so people can follow references and verify stuff in the wiki.</p>
<hr />
<div><div class="reflist <!--<br />
-->{{#if: {{{1|}}} {{{colwidth|}}}<br />
| columns references-column-width<br />
}}" style="<!--<br />
-->{{#if: {{{1|}}}<br />
| {{#iferror: {{#ifexpr: {{{1|1}}} > 1 }}<br />
| {{column-width|1={{{1}}}}}<br />
| {{#switch:{{{1|}}}|1=|2={{column-width|1=30em}}|#default={{column-width|1=25em}}}} }}<br />
| {{#if: {{{colwidth|}}}<br />
| {{column-width|1={{{colwidth}}}}} }} }} list-style-type: <!--<br />
-->{{{liststyle|{{#switch: {{{group|}}}<br />
| upper-alpha<br />
| upper-roman<br />
| lower-alpha<br />
| lower-greek<br />
| lower-roman = {{{group}}}<br />
| #default = decimal}}}}};"><br />
{{#tag:references|{{{refs|}}}|group={{{group|}}}|responsive={{#if:{{{1|}}}{{{colwidth|}}}|0|1}}}}</div>{{#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown={{main other|[[Category:Pages using reflist with unknown parameters|_VALUE_{{PAGENAME}}]]}}|preview=Page using [[Template:Reflist]] with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | colwidth | group | liststyle | refs }}<noinclude><br />
* Documentation seen on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Reflist/doc<br />
</noinclude></div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Talk:Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33684Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-04-04T18:42:22Z<p>Pat: Created page with "== Work together and stay neutral == Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track. As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes an..."</p>
<hr />
<div>== Work together and stay neutral ==<br />
<br />
Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track. <br />
<br />
As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans. <br />
<br />
If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.<br />
<br />
The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)</div>Pathttps://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Stardock_Systems_Inc._v._Paul_Reiche_III_and_Robert_Frederick_Ford&diff=33683Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford2018-04-04T18:24:04Z<p>Pat: creating draft, with basic guidelines. Work together. Use sources, and delete claims without reliable sources. Strive for neutrality and readability.</p>
<hr />
<div>== Community Q+A guidelines ==<br />
<br />
=== Editor behavior ===<br />
<br />
* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.<br />
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.<br />
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.<br />
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines. <br />
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.<br />
<br />
=== Verification in reliable sources ===<br />
<br />
* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.<br />
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking<br />
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law. <br />
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties. <br />
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers. <br />
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly. <br />
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed. <br />
<br />
=== Neutrality ===<br />
<br />
* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.<br />
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.<br />
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.<br />
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.<br />
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.<br />
<br />
=== Readability ===<br />
<br />
* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.<br />
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.<br />
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.<br />
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.<br />
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.<br />
<br />
== Basic background ==<br />
<br />
* who, what, why...<br />
<br />
== Copyright ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===<br />
<br />
=== What is a derivative work? ===<br />
<br />
=== ... what's the dispute ... === <br />
<br />
=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===<br />
<br />
* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512<br />
<br />
== Licensing agreement ==<br />
<br />
=== What is a licensing agreement? ===<br />
<br />
=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===<br />
<br />
=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===<br />
<br />
== Trademarks ==<br />
<br />
=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===<br />
<br />
=== ... what's the dispute ... === <br />
<br />
=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===<br />
<br />
== Unfair competition ==<br />
<br />
=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===<br />
<br />
=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===<br />
<br />
== Timeline of Star Control history ==<br />
<br />
=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===<br />
<br />
* 1988 agreement<br />
* Games<br />
<br />
=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===<br />
<br />
* Interviews<br />
* Best of<br />
* GOG<br />
<br />
== Timeline of legal dispute ==<br />
<br />
=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===<br />
<br />
* bankruptcy and sale<br />
* development<br />
<br />
=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===<br />
<br />
* public statements<br />
* claims<br />
* settlement offers</div>Pat