EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". *Silvani negates the claim ....

**Tabbitha** · 25th April 2007, 01:15 AM

After the posting of this thread by Willy Wonka Service Suspended 72 Hours - Inappropriate Name or Title

I received a 72 Hour ban because my characters name is "Willy Wonka" look out you will be next! I walked around Atlantic this morning and noticed several character names, that according to UO (tos) are "Trademark Names" meaning they are registred trademarks. Here is a small list of character names I complied in just a few minutes standing in fel yew, lookout you will all receive 3 day bans soon...

Jaun Valdez - National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia
Keebler - Keebler Cookies
Everclear - The Band or Alcohol
Avril Lavigne - Singer
Reebok - Trademark
Abara Renji - Anime called Bleach
Baal - British Association for Applied Linguistics
Badtz Maru - a penguin created by Sanrio Co. who also created "Hello Kitty"
Chewie - Tradmark from Star wars
Kyser Soze - Trademark the Movie The Usual Suspects
Bahamut - Internet Relay Chat Daemon, dal.net
Texas Pete - Sauces, www.texaspete.com
Misanthrope - a French play by Molière
Mello Yellow - Citrus Soda made by Coca-Cola Company
Event Horizon - Movie obvious trademark
US Marine Corps - Trademark
Victoria Secret from HOT guild - abvious trademark
Link - Nintendo Trademark

These are just a few character names that I spotted, I'm sure there are a few more in UO ALL OF YOU SHOULD PREPARE TO BE BANNED!!!

P.S. Stay Clear of Bearkly

a thread started up as shown below.A good outcome in the end though.

source taken from UO U.Hall

Here is the original thread.

EA has decided to issue bans for trademark violations... A character named "Willy Wonka" was banned. When I think the thousands of "Trademark" named characters I've seen over the course of my UO career I shudder to think of the impact this will have.

#####################################

Thats pretty horrible. I've known some crafters, that named themselves after clothing lines, etc. and they've had there names for atleast 4 years.
I don't recall this being part of the original TOS, correct me if I'm wrong. But if it was a change to the TOS why not allow players with those names to get a free name change rather then a mark on the account.

Also what happens when the player logs back in after there 72 hour ban? Do they get banned again for having the same name? lmao.

########################################

WOW
forget about the people that speedhack and script farming gold/ingots/boards 24/7 lets go after peoples names!!!
if this is for real than I wish EA would go out of business and get bought out by someone with at least half a brain

########################################

It has been against the TOS for as long as I can remember. I'm actually surprised that it has taken EA/Mythic this long to take action.

#######################################

just confirmed this in game

######################################

If this is the case they shouldn't allow people to create the names in the first place - like swearing

####################################

So no one of clout is going to reply I take it?

###################################

I don't see why you need a reply here from anyone with "clout"

The naming policy is clearly stated, so there should be no confusion. People without flags on their account, shouldn't worry, people who do have flags should. If you aren't paged on, you're fine, if you are they'll review your name and see if it's acceptable or not. If you need a new one they change it, that's it. If you have too many prior flags, they'll ban you temporarily.

So basically, if you've been a good lil' UO'er all these years, you're fine. If you haven't, then be worried. I actually like it that they're enforcing their policies. We can finally get rid of some of the crappy players who've been able to avoid bans. Crappy as in, people with priors on their account for other reasons.

#################################

Well I think this has gotten way out of hand and unless EA comes out and offically says they are going to start mass banning anyone with a name they didn't come up with, then this should be the end of this thread.

I mean if you look at it, trademarks protect intellictual property, basically the person who came up with the idea or in this instance name has legal protection. But if we look at that, then every name since adam and eve that anyone has currently is trademarked in some fashion, since it was someone else's intellictual property when the name was first used the very first time it was created in the history of our planet. If EA is going to get silly about it then that's what they have to consider.

Otherwise, if EA doesn't weigh in, i say end this thread, and don't worry about it. I mean how can you complain about people who use words say that can be found in a dictoary like in this case simplicity just because there are companies out there with the same name. Unless the person is pretending to represent this company or RL person, then just leave it be....there are more important problems in this game to be fixed....unless the name is offensive or vulgar...

################################

Silvani UO Assistant Producer
*Pixie Queen*

I just wanted to give you all a quick update on this thread. I have spoken to the Lead GM and verified that trademark names will not have action taken against them. This particular players name was changed back to the original name of Willy Wonka, and all marks on the account about the name have been removed. Trademark names are fine as long as they are appropriate. The only exception to this is if someone contacts EA Legal about a name diminishing their IP, or breaking a Copyright or Trademark law, names like this one are fine.

###############################

In that case, perhaps it's time to update the TOS? That's where most of the confusion here is coming from. The TOS say that trademarked names cannot be used.

##############################

**Adri** · 25th April 2007, 09:18 AM

It also says the names of historical real people are not to be used either.

As far as trademarked names, I think I have seen at least 3 or 4 Drizzt people running around on every shard.

**kitiara** · 25th April 2007, 09:34 AM

I wonder if the titles of posts like these should be changed to reflect the resolution? The title states that "EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names" - which people who don't bother to read the article will likely take as truth - but Silvani's resolution post clearly states that "trademark names will not have action taken against them" and that the original poster's ban was lifted from his account.

I'd hate for UO Forums to be accidentally misinforming those who don't read the entire post, especially when we're in a position (since these are all reposts) to be able to properly inform people.

Even keeping the original Stratics title and adding a result would help - such as, "EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names [false]" or something like that.

My $.02!

**Baldguy** · 25th April 2007, 09:38 AM

Yah, I was gonna ask about names that are intellectual property, like ANYTHING from TSR, D&D, and other books of note.

**Queen Mum** · 25th April 2007, 10:10 AM

The basic rules are really simple ... link quote from EA Customer support...

Quote:

Question
What is the policy on naming characters, pets, items, etc, in Ultima Online?

Answer
UO Naming Policy

You are encouraged to choose a name that represents your character in the way you want to be seen (for instance, a character named "Big Bird" may not be taken as seriously by others as a character with a more contextually appropriate name such as "Lothar"). However, we also ask that good discretion be used when choosing names for characters, guilds, titles, houses, pets, or any other item or entity in game which can be custom-named. Examples of inappropriate names include, but are not limited to:

Any name that violates the Rules of Conduct or Terms of Service. This includes names that are racially motivated, sexually graphic, anatomical and excretory references, hateful, defamatory, ethnically derogatory, in reference to hate groups, or any other names that would be offensive in nature including homonyms. Simply, if your name defames any demographic or is in poor taste you are likely to be actioned.
Any name that violates any third party trademark, copyright or other propriety right.
Names of any Electronic Arts employee or any customer service representative of Electronic Arts, past or present.
Any name that is defamatory or attempts to defame the reputation of another account holder, an employee of Electronics Arts, property of Electronic Arts or Electronic Arts itself. The use of derogatory, defamatory or offensive content in conjunction with names of famous or important historical, political or religious figures.
Names of modern era serial killers or anyone, or group who have committed crimes against humanity in the past 100 years, or any name that is closely connected with these acts.
Names of items, or proper names of NPCs in Ultima Online, as well as Ultima fiction names (e.g. Lord British, Lord Mondain, Exodus).
Any name involving a combination of words that produces an offensive result. Masked profanity or slang which denotes offensive terms.
Names which are website URL’s or the personal information of you or another.
Misspellings, phonetic spellings, word combinations, or alternative spellings of any names that violate the above rules.

Names Policy Enforcement

If a name is found to be in violation of any of the above policies, a customer support representative will intervene. When customer support is called to evaluate an improper name, one of the following actions will be taken:

Nothing. The name is not deemed offensive and the character is permitted to keep the name.

Changed. The character will receive a warning, or suspension and a name change. This will occur with borderline and relatively benign names that still violate our name policy to a minor degree.

Deleted. If the name is deemed offensive your account will be actioned and your character will be removed from the game.

In addition, an inappropriate name may also constitute a violation of the Rules of Conduct, which may subject you to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your UO Account.

And thank you to Silvani for responding to the original posters situation ...

"Silvani UO Assistant Producer
*Pixie Queen*

I just wanted to give you all a quick update on this thread. I have spoken to the Lead GM and verified that trademark names will not have action taken against them. This particular players name was changed back to the original name of Willy Wonka, and all marks on the account about the name have been removed. Trademark names are fine as long as they are appropriate. The only exception to this is if someone contacts EA Legal about a name diminishing their IP, or breaking a Copyright or Trademark law, names like this one are fine. "

Mercedes · 25th April 2007, 10:36 AM

Thanks Mum

**kitiara** · 25th April 2007, 02:56 PM

Excellent

And thx for posting the policy, Mum!

**Tabbitha** · 26th April 2007, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabbitha

After the posting of this thread by Willy Wonka Service Suspended 72 Hours - Inappropriate Name or Title

a thread started up as shown below.A good outcome in the end though.

I report threads as they appear on Stratics.I stated the outcome rather clearly i thought

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabbitha

Silvani UO Assistant Producer
*Pixie Queen*

I just wanted to give you all a quick update on this thread. I have spoken to the Lead GM and verified that trademark names will not have action taken against them. This particular players name was changed back to the original name of Willy Wonka, and all marks on the account about the name have been removed. Trademark names are fine as long as they are appropriate. The only exception to this is if someone contacts EA Legal about a name diminishing their IP, or breaking a Copyright or Trademark law, names like this one are fine.

Sorry if some people didnt like the way it was reported.A lot of the time ,a thread doesnt contain a solution or a good outcome,nor is it always revoked by Silvani or others.

I can only then update the content of the post,as it evolves but not the title.

25th April 2007, 01:15 AM	#1
Tabbitha Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Shard: Europa/Snowbourn Posts: 5,543 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 88 Thanked 76 Times in 34 Posts	*EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". Silvani negates the claim .... After the posting of this thread by Willy Wonka Service Suspended 72 Hours - Inappropriate Name or Title** I received a 72 Hour ban because my characters name is "Willy Wonka" look out you will be next! I walked around Atlantic this morning and noticed several character names, that according to UO (tos) are "Trademark Names" meaning they are registred trademarks. Here is a small list of character names I complied in just a few minutes standing in fel yew, lookout you will all receive 3 day bans soon... Jaun Valdez - National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia Keebler - Keebler Cookies Everclear - The Band or Alcohol Avril Lavigne - Singer Reebok - Trademark Abara Renji - Anime called Bleach Baal - British Association for Applied Linguistics Badtz Maru - a penguin created by Sanrio Co. who also created "Hello Kitty" Chewie - Tradmark from Star wars Kyser Soze - Trademark the Movie The Usual Suspects Bahamut - Internet Relay Chat Daemon, dal.net Texas Pete - Sauces, www.texaspete.com Misanthrope - a French play by Molière Mello Yellow - Citrus Soda made by Coca-Cola Company Event Horizon - Movie obvious trademark US Marine Corps - Trademark Victoria Secret from HOT guild - abvious trademark Link - Nintendo Trademark These are just a few character names that I spotted, I'm sure there are a few more in UO ALL OF YOU SHOULD PREPARE TO BE BANNED!!! P.S. Stay Clear of Bearkly a thread started up as shown below.A good outcome in the end though. source taken from UO U.Hall Here is the original thread. EA has decided to issue bans for trademark violations... A character named "Willy Wonka" was banned. When I think the thousands of "Trademark" named characters I've seen over the course of my UO career I shudder to think of the impact this will have. ##################################### Thats pretty horrible. I've known some crafters, that named themselves after clothing lines, etc. and they've had there names for atleast 4 years. I don't recall this being part of the original TOS, correct me if I'm wrong. But if it was a change to the TOS why not allow players with those names to get a free name change rather then a mark on the account. Also what happens when the player logs back in after there 72 hour ban? Do they get banned again for having the same name? lmao. ######################################## WOW forget about the people that speedhack and script farming gold/ingots/boards 24/7 lets go after peoples names!!! if this is for real than I wish EA would go out of business and get bought out by someone with at least half a brain ######################################## It has been against the TOS for as long as I can remember. I'm actually surprised that it has taken EA/Mythic this long to take action. ####################################### just confirmed this in game ###################################### If this is the case they shouldn't allow people to create the names in the first place - like swearing #################################### So no one of clout is going to reply I take it? ################################### I don't see why you need a reply here from anyone with "clout" The naming policy is clearly stated, so there should be no confusion. People without flags on their account, shouldn't worry, people who do have flags should. If you aren't paged on, you're fine, if you are they'll review your name and see if it's acceptable or not. If you need a new one they change it, that's it. If you have too many prior flags, they'll ban you temporarily. So basically, if you've been a good lil' UO'er all these years, you're fine. If you haven't, then be worried. I actually like it that they're enforcing their policies. We can finally get rid of some of the crappy players who've been able to avoid bans. Crappy as in, people with priors on their account for other reasons. ################################# Well I think this has gotten way out of hand and unless EA comes out and offically says they are going to start mass banning anyone with a name they didn't come up with, then this should be the end of this thread. I mean if you look at it, trademarks protect intellictual property, basically the person who came up with the idea or in this instance name has legal protection. But if we look at that, then every name since adam and eve that anyone has currently is trademarked in some fashion, since it was someone else's intellictual property when the name was first used the very first time it was created in the history of our planet. If EA is going to get silly about it then that's what they have to consider. Otherwise, if EA doesn't weigh in, i say end this thread, and don't worry about it. I mean how can you complain about people who use words say that can be found in a dictoary like in this case simplicity just because there are companies out there with the same name. Unless the person is pretending to represent this company or RL person, then just leave it be....there are more important problems in this game to be fixed....unless the name is offensive or vulgar... ################################ Silvani UO Assistant Producer Pixie Queen I just wanted to give you all a quick update on this thread. I have spoken to the Lead GM and verified that trademark names will not have action taken against them. This particular players name was changed back to the original name of Willy Wonka, and all marks on the account about the name have been removed. Trademark names are fine as long as they are appropriate. The only exception to this is if someone contacts EA Legal about a name diminishing their IP, or breaking a Copyright or Trademark law, names like this one are fine. ############################### In that case, perhaps it's time to update the TOS? That's where most of the confusion here is coming from. The TOS say that trademarked names cannot be used. ############################## __________________ Last edited by Tabbitha; 25th April 2007 at 01:29 AM.

25th April 2007, 09:18 AM	#2
Adri Wearing metal panties in a lightning storm Join Date: May 2004 Shard: Pacific/Landroval Posts: 3,509 Thanks: 94 Thanked 43 Times in 30 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	Re: EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". It also says the names of historical real people are not to be used either. As far as trademarked names, I think I have seen at least 3 or 4 Drizzt people running around on every shard. __________________ We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places. --Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt Thanks to Atlas for the fantastic sig!

25th April 2007, 09:34 AM	#3
kitiara Polar Bear Queen Join Date: Nov 2006 Shard: Atlantic & Lake Austin Posts: 4,026 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". I wonder if the titles of posts like these should be changed to reflect the resolution? The title states that "EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names" - which people who don't bother to read the article will likely take as truth - but Silvani's resolution post clearly states that "trademark names will not have action taken against them" and that the original poster's ban was lifted from his account. I'd hate for UO Forums to be accidentally misinforming those who don't read the entire post, especially when we're in a position (since these are all reposts) to be able to properly inform people. Even keeping the original Stratics title and adding a result would help - such as, "EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names [false]" or something like that. My $.02! __________________ [UOCraft.com] - [Photography: Blog - Photo Gallery - Flickr] - [Other Blogs: Bird Blog - Geek Blog]

25th April 2007, 09:38 AM	#4
Baldguy AKA Thom O'Bedlam. Got a Question? I got a link for ya! Join Date: May 2004 Shard: Lake Austin Posts: 2,392 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". Yah, I was gonna ask about names that are intellectual property, like ANYTHING from TSR, D&D, and other books of note. __________________ Useful links [UO:F Common FAQ] [UO Stratics] [UO Guide] [Official UO Play Guide] [Search UO] [FindUO.com] [UO Feedback] [More Links, gathered by the Forum] [b][size="3"]Got a Question, or a great answer? PM me with it and I will post in the FAQ.

25th April 2007, 10:36 AM	#6
Mercedes Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Shard: Chessy Posts: 778 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	*Re: EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". Silvani negates the claim ....** Thanks Mum

25th April 2007, 02:56 PM	#7
kitiara Polar Bear Queen Join Date: Nov 2006 Shard: Atlantic & Lake Austin Posts: 4,026 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	*Re: EA issuing bans for "Trademark Names". Silvani negates the claim ....** Excellent And thx for posting the policy, Mum! __________________ [UOCraft.com] - [Photography: Blog - Photo Gallery - Flickr] - [Other Blogs: Bird Blog - Geek Blog]

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