Previously we looked at if we should kill Thingiverse? Thingiverse is a site that allows you to upload and remix files. It’s a key piece of infrastructure for a 3D printed world because it lets us all extend our collective knowledge and make it more fit for all purposes. Thingiverse’s sheer size makes it important, but the tool has not been working as advertised now for a number of years. We clearly need Thingivese to be better than it is. A recent case has made me think a bit further afield, however.
Consider the case of an artist named Andrew Martin. He was inspired by Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and, in turn, 3D modeled and made an artifact based on the Tiki Room. He now claims that Disney downloaded his file from Thingiverse and copied his design.
Now, this will be a total doozy for the IP lawyers. On the one hand, we have the line between being inspired by Disney’s Tiki room and just copying their IP. On the other hand, we have Disney perhaps using something he designed himself. Now, Andrew is successfully selling the design, as well. You can check out the model on Thingiverse here.
@monstercaesarstudios If mine work isnt original, why steal it? @disneyparks #arttheft #disney #3dart #3dartist #artistsoftiktok
Now, I’m not sure what the outcome of this would be if it ever went to court. I suspect that it could be very different depending on where that court was located. If you wish to know more, you…