Using RuneScape and Old School RuneScape intellectual property in unofficial mobile apps

Unofficial OS and RS companion-style apps

With the launch of Old School RuneScape on mobile stores, and the start of the members only beta for RuneScape on mobile, it has come to our attention that there are several unofficial OS and RS companion-style apps also available on mobile stores.

While we’re honoured and humbled by the interest shown by independent creators in developing apps that showcase our art, music, or provide guides, we are concerned because we have not granted permission for the use of our intellectual property in relation to these apps. There is also wide-ranging disparity in terms of quality, layout, pricing, in-app purchasing and accessibility due to the unofficial nature of the various apps.

In most cases, using our game content, artwork, music, characters, logos and other intellectual property (IP) without our permission contravenes our IP rights.

Commercial Licence

We are in the process of reviewing existing unofficial and unlicensed mobile apps and as a part of this process, we will be reaching out to the developers of existing mobile apps which utilise our IP, to explain our rights and we may give certain app owners the opportunity to discuss and apply for a licence to use our IP in relation to their existing app.

In cases where unofficial apps in our opinion do not meet our requirements or standards, or where license terms cannot be agreed we will seek their removal from mobile stores. We are constantly reviewing and updating the use of our IP and it is important to note that this current review only affects mobile apps.

Please note this is only for existing apps, and we will not be accepting any licence requests for new apps. If you have a current live mobile app, we will contact you in the near future.

FAQs

What does this mean for third-party clients, independent fansites and live player-run events?

This update to the way we manage the use of RuneScape/Old School RuneScape IP applies to mobile apps only.

I currently have an app that uses RuneScape/Old School RuneScape IP. What happens next?

We are reviewing all active mobile apps and we will notify the owners in the near future regarding any actions required.

How do I apply for a new commercial licence?

We are not currently accepting applications for commercial licences. We will be contacting all owners of current active mobile apps that use RuneScape/Old School RuneScape IP in the near future.

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What’s the cost of a commercial licence and how long will it last for?

We will be discussing any commercial licence costs and duration directly with app owners.

When will I be contacted about my app?

Owing to the volume of apps we cannot give a definitive time frame, but we will contact current active app owners in the coming weeks and months.

Why is a RuneScape/Old School RuneScape app I used no longer available?

Some mobile apps haven’t been updated for many years and as such no longer provide RuneScape/Old School RuneScape players with up-to-date or relevant information. App owners may no longer be actively involved, are not contactable or have not replied to us, or may not be presenting our IP in a way that meets our standards or requirements. In these instances, we may take action to have these apps removed and therefore they may no longer be available on app stores or function on your mobile device.

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