Red Cross plans to restrict its symbol in video games [Archive]

Ragnar_40k

14th February 2006, 16:01

The Red Cross plans to restrict the use of the Red Cross symbol in video games.

The Canadian Red Cross is the initiator: http://www.davis.ca/community/blogs/video_games/files/red_cross_letter.pdf

jjpron

14th February 2006, 16:26

are we then to blame canada!?

Sauron|EFG

14th February 2006, 16:36

They have the same right as everyone else to protect the use of their symbols/trademarks, but I hope they will allow continued use where appropriate.

Ragnar_40k

14th February 2006, 17:47

Afaik this is only for new video games. For the ones already published the effort would be to great.
I wonder what game companies will use instead? An Ankh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankh)?

Sick Boy

14th February 2006, 18:07

The Red Cross probably stole the red cross themselves from some ancient religion.

As a follower of that ancient religion, I'm seriously thinking about sueing their ass. If only I lived in the USA ... :bored:

-bacon-

14th February 2006, 18:13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Cross#Red_Cross
The Swiss should sue!

nUllSkillZ

14th February 2006, 19:17

Swiss flag is white cross and red background.

eq-Shrike

14th February 2006, 19:45

Tell you what .. you apologise for Avril Lavigne and Celine Dion and we will apologise for use of your precious red cross :)

eRRoLfLyNN

14th February 2006, 22:22

Things like this make me angry, so I won't even begin...

Enforcer

14th February 2006, 22:35

The red corss ripped their "symbol" from ancient times just like the star of life, and the snake on the cross, all from ancient times,

so if they do "ban" the red cross we still got the star of life and the snake on the cross to use!

Ragnar_40k

14th February 2006, 22:44

Afaik the Star of life (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_life) is protected/registered too.

bandit5k

15th February 2006, 02:17

Hmm...So you're not allowed to put a Red Cross on a White Background...

Make it a Red Cross with a White Border. Same effect and no infringment...I think...

/shrug

Either way. It's silly.

Nail

15th February 2006, 04:18

appoint an ex politician to an administrative position and he screws up, how novel

Northerner

15th February 2006, 11:23

i bet the Red-Cross would stop bitching if the game industry donated a small percentage
of profit from each game to there organization!

Bongoboy

15th February 2006, 11:53

...Which is why we didn't have red crosses on health packs in W:ET, and won't be having them in ET:QW either.

eq-Shrike

15th February 2006, 11:54

i bet the Red-Cross would stop bitching if the game industry donated a small percentage
of profit from each game to there organization!

their ..sorry I have a thing about their, they're and there ... character flaw :)

oh and I was going to say that it probably wouldn't end up where it actually did any good. These admin-heavy type organisations always end up ferrying their representatives around the world first class and let them stay in expensive hotels ...

Ragnar_40k

15th February 2006, 15:37

... and won't be having them in ET:QW either.
*phew* So even the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions can't stop sd from completing ET:QW in time ... :banana:

Gringo

15th February 2006, 16:15

Why does anyone care, surely there r more important things to ponder about in life!

Jaquboss

15th February 2006, 17:05

I can agree with it BUT they should allow to use it where it was ( eg. WW2 medics )
Also note that their red cross is already adapted almost everywhere..
It will be interesting when we won't be able to use state names/flags, weapons, uniforms and so :nag:

Pytox

15th February 2006, 17:28

What will they use then for medics? :D

Nail

15th February 2006, 19:48

same as ET, white cross

SniperSteve

16th February 2006, 00:19

/blames canada

DarkangelUK

16th February 2006, 00:29

How can you trademark a universal character? it's a plus sign.. regardless of the colour.

Dazzamac

16th February 2006, 01:06

Well technically it isn't. Its an arrangement of 5 identical red squares made to look like a cross on a white background. Therefore it is a logo of sorts and therefore can be trademarked. Though the guy is a Pratt by name and a prat by nature. **** em it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

eRRoLfLyNN

16th February 2006, 01:55

They are the ones who are the ball lickers !!!

Some day there will be nothing left in this ridiculous world except trademarks, people who come up with them & people who oversee them :(

I didn't realise they were a commercial organisation for a start

SniperSteve

16th February 2006, 14:31

I trademark: 'I'
Its a white verticle line with four (4) matching white squares on the ends of each side.

Now you all owe me royalty for using my trademark. :D

Homer J

17th February 2006, 02:11

This is nothing new.

The Red Cross have always been very protective of the symbol for very good reasons.

This is why you don't see first aid kits with a red cross on them unless they are owned by the Red Cross.

Dazzamac

17th February 2006, 03:17

Yeah they use an identical cross and colour it white. Its blatant plagerism but they can't trademark a cross shape in its entirity