We call them "physical virtual pirates"

[mofoburrell]

Should it be illegal to copy physical things?

The Pirate Bay has just added a new category called physibles, plans for physical things that can be printed with a 3D printer (which very few people own, currently). They're calling it "the future". What say you

Comments

[mofoburrell]

It's unclear at this point where the plans are coming from (this is fancy talk for "I'm lazy"). What if they weren't based on original blueprints, but were from a 3D scanner?

[mofoburrell]

Apparently there's already been a DMCA takedown around this area of 3D printing by a company that does Warhammer (table-top role playing) miniatures. I think someone modelled an approximation of their miniatures and starting sharing it for people to print their own miniatures. I haven't looked into details.

I've seen a video of a printer that can print a working adjustable wrench (which blows my mind). I think the people behind it are pushing for an industry where people can print their own tools. The Pirate Bay specifically mentions the possibility of people printing spare parts for their car, too. It's hard to say where it'll go in the near future.

[medusemoisie]

Judges and lawyers will have fun with that!

I think it's an amazing idea. Hurray for technology!

[sarahk_2009]

I'm going with:

The Law of conservation of Matter & The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy/matter cannot be created or destroyed, but can change its form. The total quantity of matter and energy available in the universe is a fixed amount and never any more or less.

If they're essentially C&P the item, where is the energy and/or matter coming from to create it?

Physics Fail. BAZINGA!

[sarahk_2009]

btw the way I read the article it makes it sound like not only will the items be 3D, but touchable and usable. After reading the other comments, maybe I took it the wrong way?

[sarahk_2009]

:O wow.

[thatjazz]

This is true, I had some legal stuff going on a few years ago involving this. The garment itself is not copyrightable, but the printed/woven pattern on the fabric itself is. You can knockoff and sell designer clothes pretty freely, but if you copy the fabric itself that is a problem. http://www.caseclothesed.com/essays/how-to-copyright-fabric/

[finding_jay]

I'm biased, because my partner owns three 3D printers, used to be on the board for the local RepRap group/Artifactory and makes me stuff, but I think it's okay. It's difficult to build a replica of, say, the Mona Lisa or an Ikea chair, as most 3D printers only print in plastic. Though they are currently researching ways of doing it to build organs (and not using plastic).

[mofoburrell]

Some of them do metal, I think! Still pretty basic, though.

[mofoburrell]

I don't even want to look haha. The raw materials alone would probably be stupid expensive. I don't think you can pour just any plastic powder into it.