They really should have asked first.

[Ebony]

I also realized that this is right up there with TSR trying to trademark the term "Nazi" when they did the Indiana Jones RPG back in the 80s.

Despite how despicably TSR acted at times, this instance is a bit of a myth. Yes, they had a standup paper figure marked "Nazi(tm)" on the cardboard characters insert. They weren't trying to trademark "Nazi"; they were trying to trademark that particular Nazi character, who had no other name -- and doing it properly by the law.

Huh. Now that makes more sense. All I know is the old entry from Murphy's Rules from Space Gamer, where John Kovalic got his start.
  
Ebony the Black Dragon
http://ebony14.livejournal.com

"Good night, and may the Good Lord take a Viking to you."