3d Models & Copyright

[ticrow89]

I am from Europe.

I intend to make 3d models of real luxury furniture items and upload the files online, to my website. I wish to make some profit from this.
I intend to specify the real name of the item, the manufacturer and the designers name so that architects and render artists would access them more easily.

Would this be against any low ? Do I need the designers/manufacturer approval in order to make a 3D model of their collection and sell it online ?

 

[TheGeekess]

I am from Europe.

I intend to make 3d models of real luxury furniture items and upload the files online, to my website. I wish to make some profit from this.
I intend to specify the real name of the item, the manufacturer and the designers name so that architects and render artists would access them more easily.

Would this be against any low ? Do I need the designers/manufacturer approval in order to make a 3D model of their collection and sell it online ?

US Law ONLY.

 

[quincy]

I am from Europe.

I intend to make 3d models of real luxury furniture items and upload the files online, to my website. I wish to make some profit from this.
I intend to specify the real name of the item, the manufacturer and the designers name so that architects and render artists would access them more easily.

Would this be against any low ? Do I need the designers/manufacturer approval in order to make a 3D model of their collection and sell it online ?

You must be careful when using the trademarks of others when marketing products that are not officially connected in any way with the trademark holders. Your plan risks attracting the attention of manufacturer/designer attorneys and your plan risks attracting a lawsuit (or two or three).

I strongly suggest you consult with an attorney in your area of Europe for legal advice and direction prior to advertising and marketing your collection.

 

[ticrow89]

that's the thing , I don't find any real information on this. everybody is just guessing . how can I make it so that I can be on safe side !?

thank you for your answer though.

 

[TheGeekess]

that's the thing , I don't find any real information on this. everybody is just guessing . how can I make it so that I can be on safe side !?

thank you for your answer though.

You must be careful when using the trademarks of others when marketing products that are not officially connected in any way with the trademark holders. Your plan risks attracting the attention of manufacturer/designer attorneys and your plan risks attracting a lawsuit (or two or three).

I strongly suggest you consult with an attorney in your area of Europe for legal advice and direction prior to advertising and marketing your collection.

Alrighty then.

 

[quincy]

that's the thing , I don't find any real information on this. everybody is just guessing . how can I make it so that I can be on safe side !?

thank you for your answer though.

Laws differ in significant ways from one country to another. What may apply to someone in the U.S., in other words, may not apply to you in your country.

Right now in the U.S., furniture designs may be offered protection under trademark laws and patent laws and, potentially, under copyright laws (if the design can be viewed as a work of art/sculpture). Attempts made to change the Copyright Act in the U.S. to extend protections offered designers of fashion and furniture have, to date, failed.

What has been nicely bolded by TheGeekess in her post is the best way for you to determine what you can legally do and what you can't legally do in your country when advertising and selling your 3-D models. It is legally hazardous for you to try to capitalize off the trademarks of the original designers and manufacturers when marketing your models, however.

For more information on the laws of the U.S. as it relates to designs and trademarks, you can visit the official U.S. government websites: http://www.copyright.gov and http://www.uspto.gov. Keep in mind that the laws of your country will be different, and it will be your laws and your courts that will be used should any legal action be taken against you.