3 ms·

I don't quite understand. You think I should just be able to print an Iron Man toy someone designs, maybe paying them directly for the privilege (of their desi

I don't quite understand. You think I should just be able to print an Iron Man toy someone designs, maybe paying them directly for the privilege (of their designs), without the legitimate copyright owner having any say in the matter, and the person I buy it from having absolutely no right to sell those derivate works? I still don't see how the legit copyright owner is the troll in this conversation... I realize you're shifting over to the technology side - what's your specific objection? And, is it a hypothetical? Or is this something that is actually happening? Thanks for taking the time to respond to me. I just feel like you're arguing against a hypothetical that hasn't happened. It's like, you are creating a new non-existent debate just so you can be wrong about it. I realize this sounds extremely mean of me, but hopefully we can understand each other through this conversation. Thanks for your replies.

mikeash 11y ago
I think the worry is that 3D printers themselves may become regulated, beyond the current state of copyright laws. Consider the VCR as a historical example. It's illegal to use it to bootleg copyrighted movies, but legal to use it for your own materials. However, the copyright lobby tried to shut down VCR sales entirely, and this case made it all the way to the US Supreme Court before being decided in favor of VCRs. I imagine some people are afraid that 3D printers might end up in a similar situation, perhaps with less favorable court rulings or legislators. Modern technology also opens up other options, such as requiring all 3D printers to include DRM technology. I don't know how likely any of this is, but the worries don't seem completely out there.