Licensing fees for roleplaying games? I can almost, /almost/ see this being rationalized as it is White Wolf's framework that is central to the games... But, no, this is just more irrational, desperate IP-groping, trying to figure out how to make more money off of something that was made popular through the efforts of a fanbase.

This may be similar to the usage license that we (in theory) agree to when we buy a DVD or VHS tape; we aren't allowed to charge other people money to see them. I'm unclear on what the rules are for simply charging people to be in one's establishment while said entertainment is running in the background. I recall last year or the year prior there was a bit with the NFL cracking down on Las Vegas' Super Bowl parties. Even thought the NFL wasn't offering a similar service, and there is clearly a market for it, they made sure that the NFL Super Bowl portion of any party wasn't necessarily the main thing, going so far as to place limits on the size of the monitors on which the bars would be able to display the game. (fair warning; I'm pulling this out of memory, and may be making stuff up unintentionally). The argument went something like they couldn't prevent a bar from having a party, but they could make sure their brand wasn't diluted.

I suspect if the fees that are charged are simply covering space rental and refreshments, WW may not have an issue. It is probably more along the lines of someone actually making money off their stuff... Gah, I can't even say it. Jesus, if they put draconian licensing terms in their stuff, it /never/ would have taken off. Good will is a common assumption in this situation.