I think that meeples are a registered design but my question is if I use the image of a meeple..or the "word" meeple...¿does the image or the word "meeple" have rights?
Explain: In my rules i refer to pawns as "meeples" cos I like to use them but in order to respect the possible rights and as I plan a semiedition in which meeples wont be included but will be mentioned (and it´s image reproduced) in the rulebook...¿do I better forget and design my own meeples?
I already did, and know where to get them in acrylic but it´s expensive for a short run and multiple colors, the manufacturer is Nestorgames. That´s why I plan to do like cheapass games, not to include such common items like meeples or dies in the edition. (so, i call it "semiedition").
As I say in other subforum I plan to save money by not including these items, using a cloth boardgame and a bag instead of a box.
Thanks
So, I presume I won´t have trouble if I mention the word "Meeple" and use the image of Meeples in my rulebook as long as I don´t plan to include such items in the game because everybody has and they can be bought easily in many e-shops.
Thanks for the answer, I´ve even learned a new word in english, "slang".