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Usage of Microsoft Windows Icons and Sounds in Video Games

SPACE ALPHA 31 Reputation points
2022-10-25T08:52:30.797+00:00

Is it allowed to use icons and sounds for a Windows computer as part of a video game together with simulating a Windows computer? It is unclear what the term distribution qualifies for in a video game, since the usage is part of depicting a Windows machine, and the media is otherwise protected from copy theft.

See Microsoft Logos and Sounds
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/copyright/permissions

If the usage to use Windows icons and sounds as part of a video game is not allowed, is it legal to display and play Windows icons and sounds when loading them into the video game?

In games (virtual worlds) which depict real world devices it makes sense to use related media, otherwise it feels like we are not allowed to talk about and document the reality.

Is there a technical expert here who can clarify if we are allowed to use Microsoft Windows logos and sounds as part of a video game for the purpose to simulate a Windows machine?

253853-computer-1200x675.jpg

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  1. Limitless Technology 44,341 Reputation points
    2022-10-25T14:59:25.67+00:00

    Hello there,

    This might help you in getting some insights.

    Microsoft products and services—including images, text, and software downloads (the "content")—are owned either by Microsoft Corporation or by third parties who have granted Microsoft permission to use the content. Microsoft cannot grant you permission for content that is owned by third parties. You may only copy, modify, distribute, display, license, or sell the content if you are granted explicit permission within the End-User License Agreement (EULA) or license terms that accompany the content or are provided in the following guidelines. For more information, consult your copyright attorney.

    Use of Microsoft copyrighted content https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/copyright/permissions

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