3D printing sparks copyright concerns
- — 22 February, 2011 10:05
![A refined 3D-modeled version of the Penrose Triangle optical illusion, by [[xref:http://www.thingiverse.com/chylld|Thingiverse user 'chylld']].](http://cdn.pcworld.idg.com.au/dimg/415x415/dimg/m_img_37233.jpg)
A refined 3D-modeled version of the Penrose Triangle optical illusion, by Thingiverse user 'chylld'.
A legal battle threatened to break out last week after a 3D modeller initially claimed copyright on a design he created for use with a 3D printer. The design is based on the famous Penrose triangle optical illusion.
A post on BoingBoing explains the situation — 3D modeller Ulrich Schwanitz, known as user ‘trompevenlo’ on 3D modelling forum Shapeways, created a 3D printout based on the ‘impossible triangle’ optical illusion. After a video of the shape was released, Artur Tchoukanov worked out how to create the shape and uploaded instructions to the Thingiverse Web site, another repository of 3D models and content.
Schwanitz sent the Thingiverse Web site operators a DMCA takedown notice asserting copyright over the design, but later withdrew the complaint after deciding to release his design into the public domain. The Penrose Triangle illusion exists in the public domain and can be modified or reproduced without any copyright infringement, but Schwanitz’s initial claims suggested he wished to maintain copyright over his 3D interpretation. Schwanitz moderated his position when it was established similar or near-identical creations could be made based on the original Penrose Triangle illusion, without infringing his copyright.
Several derivative designs have since been created based on the Penrose Triangle design, including by Sydney-based 3D modeller Jonathan Wong — who has created both a refined version of Schwanitz’s original triangle model, and what he calls a Penrose cube.
Concerns over copyright and 3D printers has surfaced in the past, with enterprising users theoretically able to reproduce patented designs through reverse engineering and intensive modelling work.
