Many GMs end up wanting to publish some of their work – their world, their adventures, whatever. It's easier than ever to do so. But it matters whether what you publish is really your own material or someone else's.

I have opinions as a publisher and copyright owner and want to share.

My big question is about when a company protecting its IP is getting in the way of innovation or not.

Imagine if Meg and Vincent Baker fought to protect Powered by the Apocalypse. I feel like that would have gotten in the way of innovation.

The various System Reference Documents for D&D are good – they get out of the way so new games can grow and evolve from them. It's even better now that they're in the CC.

Fictional IP is different. You can go make a science fantasy world with laser-sword-wielding knights fighting against galactic tyranny. You don't need Star Wars to do that.

My Mass Effect story.

Esper Genesis and Phantasy Star

Obojima and Studio Ghibli

When is protecting IP getting in the way and when is it simply protecting someone's rights to the original IP?

You can make other stories other than Baldur's Gate 3. Make your own stuff. No one is in the way.