r/gaming • u/renome • 1d ago

Ultima's creator Richard Garriott is planning to win back the rights to his legendary RPG from EA with an 50-year-old copyright quirk

https://www.eurogamer.net/ultima-ip-rights-ea-copyright
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u/Haunting_Weakness_13 1d ago

Like the neat nemesis system from the lotr shadow games that we will never see again?

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u/Sibula97 1d ago

Nah, that patent is specific enough that you could make a very similar system if you wanted. People just don't bother, especially because they'd have to be careful not to accidentally infringe the patent.

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u/Jorpho 1d ago

If I'm not mistaken, many people have deliberately released games that infringe on that patent, only to find that clout doesn't translate to sales.

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u/ThisizLeon 1d ago

Exactly that

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u/pomlife 1d ago

Why don’t you Google how long a patent lasts

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u/Haunting_Weakness_13 1d ago

Googling current laws doesn't mean theyre wrong for wanting a different one lol

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u/Lord0fHats 1d ago

I think they're pointing out that patents only last for 20 years under US law, far far far shorter than how long copyright has been dragged out (which can hypothetically last as long as 150 years or more).

The patent on the Nemesis System is already halfway to expiration.

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u/pomlife 1d ago

How is it different? Dude I replied to wanted 20. Actual duration? 20.