Wizards of the Coast have filed papers to get the rights to use TSR stripped from TSR. The company currently calling itself TSR bought the rights to the brand (but not any associated products) after it was allowed to lapse by a previous owner.
The move is in response to TSR starting a crowdfunding campaign to pay lawyers to sue Wizards of the Coast.
TSR’s goal wasn’t entirely clear to begin with. Then they cancelled that attack shortly after starting the crowdfunding campaign with the promise to re-file (in the proper jurisdiction) and try and force WotC to remove the legacy disclaimer that keeps old D&D products available for sale.
Mike Dunford helped break down the case and arguments that Wizards of the Coast are making. It’s straightforward.
Firstly, Wizards of the Coast’s experts argue that if TSR had been honest with the trademark office about why they wanted the rights to use the TSR trademark, they would never have gotten it.
TSR has been arguing that Wizards of the Coasts actions tarnish their name. Wizards counter-argues that TSRs actions tarnish theirs; thanks for acknowledging the connection between the two.
At the time of writing, TSR’s attack fund campaign is still taking money. They ended the weekend with around 50 backers, which has now increased to over 80. As a result, TSR has over $2,500 to throw into their case against Wizards of the Coast.
Wizards are using the firm Davis Wright Tremaine who have Brand Protection, Advertising and Litigation teams, among others.
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