Epsilon Wrote:Not quite true.
It was a severe oversimplification, however.
Epsilon Wrote:Noteably the derivative works does NOT include pastiches, parodies, sequels and so on.
Sequels are usually held to be a non-exempt derivative work. In fact the broadness of derivative work is the problem, if you make a neat sci-fi universe (say star wars) then to publish a novel set in it I legally need the permission of the rights holder, and it gets even worse with crossovers. A galaxy spanning empire with arrowhead shaped ships an active rebelion, and hyperspace travel and a few other space opera cliches would probably found to be infringing. Notably Japan has a very different system especially when it comes to this issue which makes for a big problem for some licensed anime and games. Hence why we will never see super robot wars in the USA.
It doesn't even matter if our hypothetical star wars author avoids the use of the trademarked starwars and no jedi or sith show up, derived can stretch quite a bit. Add to that the insane cost of a copyright lawsuit, and the even more insane cost of losing such a suit and few would be willing to risk it.
E: "Did they... did they just endorse the combination of the JSDF and US Army by showing them as two lesbian lolicons moving in together and holding hands and talking about how 'intimate' they were?"
B: "Have you forgotten so soon? They're phasing out Don't Ask, Don't Tell."