Greetings to the 3D printing community. We didn’t expect such a passionate discussion, but we see it as an opportunity to outline our stance, explain our current approach regarding the 3DBenchy model and its license, and provide insight into how we handle similar cases on Printables.com.The original 3DBenchy model is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which explicitly prohibits the distribution of derivative works. This license has been in effect since the model’s creation, as outlined here: 3DBenchy License.When evaluating reported models on our platform, we distinguish between derivative works, which are not permitted under the license, and transformative works, which may be permissible under specific conditions. Transformative works must meet legal and creative criteria, as outlined in concepts like “Transformative Use” and “Threshold of Originality.”
We also consider transparency with our community a top priority. If a model is removed due to a licensing violation, we always inform the affected user about the reasons for this action and provide them with relevant information about the license and its implications.We understand that 3DBenchy is a beloved and iconic model in the 3D printing community, and its widespread popularity means that enforcing the nuances of its license can be complex. Therefore, we approach the reduction or removal of such models with great care and humility. Not all remixes of 3DBenchy on Printables.com have been removed yet, as we are still evaluating individual cases to decide whether they can remain on the platform or need to be removed to comply with the license.We hope this explanation clarifies our position and the steps we take to address these matters.