I read a couple of threads with a similar question but I couldn’t project them to my case. So I ask for help to understand one specific case so that in the future I myself will understand what is a remix and what is not.
We are talking about a part that is inserted into the lid of the Sunlu S2 dryer and serves as a guide.
The original is on the right, but turned upside down. It’s hard for me to tell how much of a change there is in this model. I changed some dimensions and added a guide for the ptfe tube.
Yes, I loaded the mesh and took the overall dimensions from it so that I wouldn’t have to bother taking them myself from the recess in the Sunlu S2 lid.
So, taking into account all the manipulations, is this a remix or not?
Yes, I would consider this a Remix.
This is a remix as you have made changes that take it from the original design to a new one by adding or removing things to improve or change its use.
The important question is; “Does the original model ALLOW remixes”?
If it does, you can upload it as a remix. If it does not, you can enjoy it but not share it.
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Well then, here’s the question. If I personally take the dimensions of the required space in the lid and do not use someone else’s model, then guess what, it will look absolutely the same, the maximum difference is in fractions of a millimeter. Doesn’t it smell absurd?
If we recognize this model as a remix, it means recognizing that someone owns the rights to the geometric shape of the parallelepiped.
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If you use someone else work and it is distinct enough - it is a remix.
If you create something from scratch, it is your model.
If you are ALSO solving the same problem it is not a remix.
If someone creates something for the very first time and it is truly unique, you can’t copy that as it is theirs.
If you are solving the same problem they are you can ALSO invent your solution.
Some examples:
- Someone created a build-plate stand, other build-plate stands can and should exist.
- Coasters are not unique even if they are identical in measurements.
- Someone makes something get from A to B, other people can make something that also gets something from A to B.
That is your model. Provided the source isn’t so unique that it clearly means others are infringing on the design.
On the basis of your first question (above), this is NOT a remix.
I look at it a bit more simply. If I feel like I benefited from or was inspired by someone else’s specific work, I like to give them credit. I think it promotes the positive nature of remix culture, and hope that others would do the same for me. It also helps others find both versions and choose which is best for them.
I don’t think I’ve ever found myself debating whether or not something is a remix. When I go to publish, I know whether or not I’ve built my work on top of someone else’s.
As for your scenario, this is telling:
It sounds like your starting point was the other model. From my perspective, that makes your model a remix.
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Initially, I printed someone else’s model and realized that I don’t see the point in using it, so I decided to change it and make it more efficient. As I wrote above, I could have made it from scratch with my own modifications, but its shape would still be almost identical to the model that inspired me, because in this case there is no other shape, such is the shape of the recess in the lid of the dryer. So why can’t I publish my model as original? Because someone was the first to click the “remixes are prohibited” button?
Originals and remixes are treated equally, with the exception that remixes are not eligible for contests. While the distinction between ownership of a model, shape, or idea can sometimes be unclear, the criteria for what constitutes a remix versus an original are straightforward. If you modify an existing model, it is considered a remix. If you create something from scratch, it is an original.
I’m not sure what exactly you did. If you took the original, including that specific hole, slightly changed the length or width and added that tube, I’d consider it a remix, since you took the original and changed it somewhat.
If you just took the basic parallelepiped shape and made your own hole and added the tube I’d consider it not a remix, since the basic shape is not copyright-worthy at all.
To my limited knowledge, in Europe the whole original might not fall under copyright, since all the features seem to be completely due to technical constraints, but I’m not a lawyer and also don’t know about international laws.
To be clear, I don’t have a strong opinion on this. I’m just offering my friendly perspective for discussion.
Looking at my Printables models for comparison to your scenario, I can see that I’ve actually chosen an in-between option on a couple of occasions. I’ve posted my model as an original, but mentioned other creators/models that inspired me in the description.
Like I said before, it’s just about wanting to give credit to the people who I feel help me succeed. I also feel good when others reference my work as helping them.
Out of curiousity, why would it bother you to post as a remix?
No problem at all, if the author hadn’t banned remixes. I technically can’t give a link to the “original”.
Ah, you didn’t say that in your original post, and I didn’t realize that’s what you meant when you replied to me. Thought it was more of a philosophical question.
In any case, I feel like it’s one of three things:
- You feel like you did the work entirely yourself = original.
- You feel like your work is based upon someone else’s = remix.
- You feel like you were inspired by someone else, but otherwise did the work yourself = original, with credit for influence in description.
If you’re feeling “remix”, you could message the creator and ask them if they’d be willing to change their attribution so that you can give them credit. The worst thing they can do is say “no”, in which case you move on.
Bottom line for me is wanting to know that I’ve been fair to others. Since you’re putting thought into it, I can tell that this matters to you as well. 
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So if there is for example an object like a planter. The planter has a specific design and is uploaded by another user. You begin to model a planter by scratch in your own program but the design looks close to the one already uploaded because you like the design although have little adjustments. Is it a original because you created it from scratch and it doesnt matter what it looks like (as long as it is not a mona lisa type of thing with a trademark) even if its the same a one already uploaded. Or does it depend on how big the adjustments are?
It would be considered an original. It does not need to be unique to be an original.
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It’s original as you created it from scratch.
You should always keep your “working out”, how you designed it. Like a sketch or the iterations.
This way you can defend yourself if anyone questions the originality of your work.
It is like school, you had to explain how you came up with an answer, not just the answer itself.
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