Freedom of Panorama: Generally speaking, this doctrine allows for images of public spaces and buildings to be used freely if the building is not the main focus ie. showing an image of the entire NYC skyline. However, some countries, including France, have opted out of this provision, restricting the use of images of modern structures. Countries that have adopted this doctrine vary in their application from location to location, and separate copyright and/or trademark protections may apply, so it’s important to understand each country’s law before relying on this doctrine.

Trademarked Designs: You may be aware that logos and names of vehicles may be trademarked. However, you may not know that vehicle designs and even specific elements like the shape of a vehicle can be trademarked as “trade dress”. Not all aspects of vehicles may be protected as trade dress; to be protected, the elements must be both inherently distinctive and primarily non-functional. Examples of elements that can be protected under trade dress include, but are not limited to, car shape, grilles, lights, hood ornaments, roof lines, and dashboard layout. This means using a 3D model of a specific car, like a Volkswagen Beetle with its unique shape , may require permission from the trademark holder.

Logos and Branding: Logos and other “source identifiers”, such as the Apple logo on a laptop, are protected by trademark laws. Incorporating these into 3D assets without permission can lead to legal action for trademark infringement.