Game System License

The 4th edition Game System License was released by Wizards of the Coast to the public on June 17, 2008. This is a trademark license similar to, but more restrictive than, the d20 System Trademark License that was created for 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The license allows third-party publishers to create products using the intellectual property of Dungeons & Dragons.

The 3rd edition had been licensed under both the Open Gaming License (OGL) and the d20 System Trademark License. The OGL is a copyright license, allowing the use of copyrighted text created by others in one's products. The GSL, however, only granted use of the 4E SRD, which lists trademarks, words, and short phrases that could be used to refer to materials in the Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition rules, but contains no rules itself.

This license differs from the previous OGL in several ways. People wishing to use this license are allowed and granted a logo that must be placed onto their products to state that they are compatible with Dungeon & Dragons 4th Edition. The license also can be updated by Wizards of the Coast and updates affect all licensees; in case of litigation the licensees must pay the legal costs of Wizards of the Coast.

Prior to Gen Con 2008, it was announced that the GSL was undergoing a revision. Shortly after the end of the convention a number of Wizards of the Coast's jobs were eliminated, including the Licensing Manager position that was held by Linae Foster. The former D&D Brand Manager, Scott Rouse, was in charge of the revisions to the GSL until leaving WotC on Oct 12, 2009.

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