Man, Mod, and Law: Revisiting The Law of Computer Game Modifications

23 Pages Posted: 14 Jan 2019

See all articles by Zvi S. Rosen

Zvi S. Rosen

Southern Illinois University - Southern Illinois University School of Law

Date Written: December 6, 2018

Abstract

In 2005's "Mod, Man, and Law," I mangled Bob Dylan and discussed the issues of copyright for computer game modifications, including what effect EULA terms prohibiting mods would be given and whether mods would be considered derivative works. In the intervening years Courts have largely given full effect to EULAs, including considering violations copyright infringement. Meanwhile, the issue of whether mods can be considered freestanding works has largely not been litigated, and instead such issues have largely been resolved by contract. Meanwhile, the community of users creating mods has largely remained strong, strengthened by limited enforcement efforts and in many cases encouragement from various content owners in the computer gaming space.

Keywords: copyright, games

JEL Classification: K00

Suggested Citation

Rosen, Zvi S., Man, Mod, and Law: Revisiting The Law of Computer Game Modifications (December 6, 2018). IDEA: The IP Law Review, Vol. 59, No. 1, 2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3309904

Zvi S. Rosen (Contact Author)

Southern Illinois University - Southern Illinois University School of Law ( email )

1150 Douglas Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901-6804
United States

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