Hello,
This question is very important to me. I have some unprotected designs that I like to test by creating their prototypes.
How can I be sure that the 3D printer shops will not copy or (more clearly, steal) my idea when I send my 3D design to them? Is there a method in this website that applies to this very important issue?
Thank you!
Xeno
2
Some, if not most, websites where you can get your design printed have a clause in their fine print, that they can do whatever they like with your uploaded design, for commercial use or reprint.
read the fine print carefully before you upload your design.
Even 3D Hubs might me able to do anything with your uploaded design !
I personally treat all my order confidential, and would never share or reprint their designs, and delete all files after the order is finished.
and ask if it’s ok to share photo’s on my hub or website.
to keep your design from falling onto the wrong hands, you could upload a 3D shape with the same volume to get a price quote, and send the actual design privately.
Hey @seytayfun!
Thank you for posting this on Talk, it’s a topic that we’ve had questions about in the past and I’d like to explain how 3D Hubs handles these kinds of orders:
Every Hub on our platform has agreed to our Terms of Use and I would like to point you to section 6.4 which state:
“6.4. By submitting 3D Content through the Services or Website, the User grants 3D Hubs and the Hub accepting the Order a non-exclusive, royalty free worldwide non-transferable license (i) to review the 3D Content on the basis of technical specifications (including but not limited to checking for any technical errors); and (ii) to use the 3D Content for the manufacturing of the 3D Print in order for the Hub to fulfil the Order placed by the User.”
This section covers the fact that you, the customer, only give the 3D Hubs admins and the Hub accepting the order the rights to check your 3D file to see if it’s suitable for 3D printing and the right to 3D print the model to complete the order for you. There is no specific confidential agreement in place about the contents of the model but I can assure you that the 3D Hubs admins treat your model with the utmost respect and will never use it for any other purpose.
I would also like to point out that we have never had any complaints about a Hub abusing the uploaded contents provided by a customer since 3D Hubs was founded.
If you would like an extra level of confidentiality/security you could consider asking a Hub to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before sending in the 3D model. You can start and inquiry with a Hub by going to his/her profile and clicking “Contact this Hub”.
I hope this answered your questions, if you have any more questions or if you have some suggestions for us, please let me know.
Best,
Robin - 3D Hubs
just let them sign an NDA!
Thank you for the replies. NDA is a good idea, but still it looks like it’s virtually impossible to protect an idea on once it’s on internet.
you are right you can not be 100% sure even with patents you can’t.
Because an offence will cost you money to
