LEGO is using DCMA to take down listings on Thingiverse based on their products. But, they made LEGO, so shouldn’t they have the right to do that? I mean, technically they don’t have copyright, because you can’t copyright a simple shape, and as of 2010 they no longer have patent. I guess they still have Trademark, and maybe that’s the legal leg they’re standing on. But if I rename my things, doesn’t that mean I’m safe now?
While, personally, my initial reaction is that LEGO® should have the right to, as the designer, choose how their designs are used and copied, the conversation on this elsewhere, and even in the comment section on this video, has been very heated. And that heated discussion is making me think that maybe I need to revisit this soon.
Did you know, some things *aren’t* being taken down on thingiverse, despite being similar in nature. And the only thing I can find about the ones that are being left alone and those that are being taken down is the use of the registered trademark symbol after the word LEGO®. That seems to be it, and if that’s the case, and that’s all LEGO® is complain about… seriously? People are taking the wrong message away from these things. This is damaging your brand all over a maker not being willing to hunt down how to type something that isn’t on the keyboard!
By the way, you type it by holding down the alt key and typing “0174”. And you discover that by googling “registered trademark alt code”.
Admittedly, this video was a little hastily produced. Well, a lot hastily produced. And it’s still a little rough around the edges. Literally. However, I don’t think it turned out that bad, thanks to the new equipment I have to make my videos as nice as possible with as little effort. I still need to work in my 4k camera into this rig, but this video couldn’t wait. I think it turned out alright. I hope you agree.
