Is Zelda a Copyrighted Name?
Direct Answer: Yes, Zelda is a copyrighted name owned by Nintendo.
Nintendo’s Intellectual Property
The Legend of Zelda is one of the most iconic video game franchises in the world, with a rich history spanning over three decades. At the heart of the franchise is the character of Zelda, the princess of Hyrule. But is the name "Zelda" copyrighted? The answer is yes.
Nintendo owns all right, title and interest (including all intellectual property rights) in, and has the right to use and sublicense, the Nintendo Intellectual Property utilized in connection with the System. (Source: Nintendo’s Terms of Service)
The term "intellectual property rights" refers to the exclusive rights granted to creators for their original works, such as literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as symbols, names, and logos. In the case of Nintendo, this includes the name "Zelda", the character of Zelda, and the franchise’s logos and symbols.
Why is it called Zelda and not Link?
The origin of the name "Zelda" is attributed to American novelist, socialite, and painter Zelda Fitzgerald, who was the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Legend of Zelda series, was inspired by Zelda’s name and chose to name the princess after her.
What is Zelda’s real name?
The full names of two Kings of Hyrule, King Hyrule and King Harkinian, are mentioned in the series, but Zelda’s middle name is never revealed. However, it is widely assumed that Zelda’s name is Zelda Hyrule, with an unknown middle name.
Did Zelda ever kiss Link?
The answer is yes. Zelda kisses Link in the Oracle of Ages/Seasons game, and also in The Adventure of Link when Link finally wakes her up from her slumber.
Is emulating a game you own illegal?
If you own a game physically, you are likely to emulate or own a ROM of the game. However, there’s no legal precedent in the United States to say it’s illegal. There is no trial on record of any company going to court over emulators or ROMs and their use.
Will Nintendo sue you for downloading ROMs?
While Nintendo has taken action against websites and individuals downloading and distributing ROMs without permission, there is no legal precedent to say they will sue individuals for downloading ROMs. However, it’s important to note that downloading ROMs is still illegal and can violate copyright laws.
Table: Nintendo’s Legal Stance on ROMs
| Action | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|
| Downloading ROMs | Illegal, potentially leading to legal action |
| Emulating games you own | Legal, with no legal precedent in the US |
| Sharing or distributing ROMs | Illegal, potentially leading to legal action |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the name "Zelda" is a copyrighted name owned by Nintendo, and the character of Zelda is an important part of the Legend of Zelda franchise. While downloading ROMs is illegal and can violate copyright laws, emulating games you own is legal with no legal precedent in the US. As a fan of the franchise, it’s important to respect Nintendo’s intellectual property rights and only access their games through legal and authorized means.