Hey all, relatively new to 3D printing and I got a question regarding standard digital file license.
I’ve been designing a few models, and have a significantly improved filament spool I’d like to publish. A few of the features were inspired by another maker with a SDF license. I built the model from the ground up, and much of design is completely different, however I likely would never have come up with those details if I hadn’t seen the other creator’s model first.
Should I be fine as far as the SDF license is concerned? I intend to credit the creator for the ideas, but wanted to make sure I’d be fine from a strict interpretation of the rules.
that’s not exactly true, inspired is one thing, if you are doing a copy even if you are making it yourself, it’s still a copy and infringes on intellectual property.
this really depends, if you are taking inspiration on for example a locking mechanism, that’s fine if you are creating a whole design from scratch, unless there is a patent on the specific mechanism, which i doubt. If you are simply copying the overall design that’s another thing, as that would infringe on intellectual property
Thanks guys, that answers my question. The locking mechanism and spool body on mine are completely original design, but the internal filament clips and weight notation are largely inspired by the other creator. If they were common across designs I wouldn’t have worried about it, but his model was the only one with them on it so I thought I’d ask.
I have a slight feeling I know that other designer But as the designer I have no issue with people getting inspired, as long as they don’t copy. Especially the internal filament clips can be done in a multitude of ways so you could create your own twist to them without a doubt. But bottom line, as long as you don’t use my model as a base or reference to trace we all good
Heck, I might even get inspired by your interpretation of the filament clips, your side design or your innovative locking mechanism. By building upon others’ ideas is how we create most advancements, so good luck and maybe I’ll see it on MakerWorld some day!
And the fact that you are asking the community on the ethics beforehand is also commendable. Half of MakerWorld is copy-paste (even without change) and passing it off as original design.
Should have guessed you might see this, those two features really narrow down which design it could be.
I appreciate the sentiment, one person can only improve something so much, but when you have a community of people building on and advancing each other’s ideas the sky is the limit.
I have a question regarding printed models. For example, a clay cutter that I use myself for creating products to sell. Is this still considered license infrigement?
Depends on the license, which one? If you mean the SDFL, it says this:
“The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.”
So if the object in question is under the SDFL I’d suggest sending the creator a message and asking.
“Hi, you have a great design I’d like to use in my business as a tool. The license you chose on makerworld seems to prohibit commercial use without permission, may I have your permission to use it in my business? Thank you.”
But as the designer I have no issue with people getting inspired, as long as they don’t copy. Especially the internal filament clips can be done in a multitude of ways so you could create your own twist to them without a doubt. But bottom line, as long as you don’t use my model as a base or reference to trace we all good 
