In some ways, this almost couldn’t be further from my earlier post wondering about brand/trademark conflict inside the Second Life virtual simulation (Link) and still be in the same virtual space: Terra Nova has posted an entry concerning the use of the Red Cross logo in videogames. From the post (Link):

The Canadian Red Cross wants game developers to stop using the Red Cross logo in games, claiming trademark infringement, trademark dilution, and playing the “support the troops” card by suggesting that use of a red cross in games removes the “protective value” of the mark in real war zones.

Typically, a response to something like this is “Screw the Man”; a little more difficult to do in this instance. However, that’s a good thing since we should hear a different debate. The discussion both on Terra Nova and elsewhere will hopefully prove interesting, so if you’re interested in virtual world business and legal issues, I’d suggest keeping an eye on Terra Nova’s comment section.