Master 3D Asset Licensing: 
Essential Guide for Film and Game Studios

Navigate the complexities of copyright law with confidence and ensure your projects are legally sound and creatively successful.

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Complexities of Copyright Law for 3D Assets

Understanding intellectual property law for 3D assets involves navigating several intricacies, particularly regarding famous buildings, vehicle brands and elements, and logos.

Famous Landmarks: Structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Chrysler Building are subject to US copyright protection as “Architectural Works”. While the Eiffel Tower itself is in the public domain, the lighting installed in 1985 is still protected, meaning nighttime photos or recordings will likely require permission for commercial use. Similarly, the Chrysler Building's distinct Art Deco elements are protected, and their use in 3D models requires careful consideration. Not all landmarks are protectable under copyright, however. For example, the US Copyright Office will refuse to register bridges as copyrighted, meaning landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge itself are not copyrighted. Additionally, certain buildings may be protected by Trademark law, which is addressed further below. 

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.

Ensuring Compliance

Verify the copyright status of any famous landmarks included in their projects. 

Avoid using recognizable logos or vehicular designs/elements without explicit permission.

Always consult legal experts to navigate these complexities and ensure compliance.

Legal Dispute Cases

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