copyright question?

RainbowHeadphonez

If I was going to make a walkthrough app like this ( http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/super-meat-boy-guide/id403045768?mt=8) Would I have to put any legal notices? Like in this app he put " *** This app complies with US copyright and trademark law of "fair use" and does not violate any 3rd party copyrights and trademarks. See the legal notice below for more details. ***"

Would I have to do that?

Thanks

tenrdrmer

You really need to ask a lawyer if you want sound advice that you can actually use for legal matters.

StusApps

You would need a legal disclaimer, stating you own neither the name or imagery and it is copyrighted by the game owner. Although the disclaimer wouldn't really stand up to much if they wanted your app gone (it would just help from a legal perspective to show you had no intentions of stealing their IP).

It is a bit of a grey area as I don't think companies come after game guide makers for copyright infringement. Technically speaking you shouldn't include any screenshots or images from the original game as they are not free to use.

Really it's a bit of a mine field and your app could be removed if the game creator decided to ask apple that. Which begs the question of whether it is worth while doing at all. Check out applyzer.com or appannie rankings for game guides already on the app store to see if they actually make any money (i kinda doubt it).

StusApps

tenrdrmer said:
You really need to ask a lawyer if you want sound advice that you can actually use for legal matters.

Exactly, which would be expensive. My experience of law is in chemical and pharmaceutical patents, not video games.

RainbowHeadphonez

Thanks for info!