Apparently, Games Workshop has copyright struck hundreds of designs on the Cults 3d platform, raising more questions about IP and 3D printing!
We’ve seen a lot over the past year or so about IP, and how honestly, it’s very confusing. We’ve even seen other gaming companies that are not Games Workshop getting into the realm of disputes as well. So as technology progresses faster than regulations (and sometimes common sense even), things are starting to get strange out there.
Now it looks like another Cults 3d has gotten hit with a range of take-down requests, this time for miniatures that may infringe on various Games Workshop copyright.
Editors Note: These images are floating around on many 3d hobby groups, Facebook groups, Reddit, and at least one Discord. We contacted Cults3d, who confirmed this information by saying the list of keywords was “not a public document,” and the list circulating was “a short list created by us.”
They added, “we’re currently working with their lawyers to find the best solution for them and the community.”
Here is a closer look at the their statement:
Also furnished in these groups was the list of keywords supposedly at the bottom of the message that Games Workshop had a copyright issue with. Here are the copyright terms that Games Workshop says are supposedly being infringed upon:
- Games Workshop
- Warhammer
- Sigmar
- 40k
- Adeptus
- Drukhari
- Necrons
- T’au
- Ynnari
- Idoneth
- Khaine
- Kharadron
- Lumineth
- Seraphon
- Sylvaneth
- Khorne
- Tzeentch
- Slaanesh
- Maggotkin
- Skaven
- Nighthaunt
- Ossiarch
- Mawtribes
- Gloomspite
- Behemat
- Necromunda
- Imperialis
- Ultramarines
- XV107
One thing we noticed about this list is that most of the terms are the new “de-Tolkienized” versions of Warhammer Faction names that were perhaps borrowed from works like The Hobbit or pulled from pop culture in general. You may remember in the mid, 2010s Games Workshop started rebranding all its factions.
Things like Orcs and Elves became Orruks and Aelfs. Same with factions like Eldar and Imperial Guard becoming Aeldari and Astra Militarium, respectively.
Games Workshop & 3D Printing is Very Confusing
The issue with 3D printing is that it directly competes with a ton of Games Workshop Copyright. Something like video games seems much more cut and dry, whereas minis are not so easy. If someone makes a direct copy of a video game (or close enough), there’s no way the company with the copyright can let it see the light of day.
However, sci-fi and fantasy miniatures have so much more gray areas. How can you say you own futuristic space soldiers? When someone makes a one-to-one copy, it’s obvious when they use elements that are specifically copyrighted or a registered trademark in general (what we know as Intellectual property).
But how does someone like Games Workshop say it’s too close if they do not?
Well, that’s why it’s so confusing. The article from Game Industry had a perfect quote for anyone looking to make something that could be thought of as infringement:
The bottom line is — if you create something that is not entirely original and uses third-party IP rights — without that party’s permission — you need to accept that there is a degree of risk in what you are doing.
Hopefully, this helps clear where IP infringement starts for Games Workshop regarding things like Warhammer plus, 3d printing, their copyright, and everything in between.
Do you think these terms and files that were available on the Cults3d Platform were too close to Games Workshop IP? How do you think GW will deal with 3D printing as it grows?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures. Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including the Adepticon Team Tournament and American Team Tournaments, and is on a first-name basis with almost every major company in the space.
He’s all gaming all the time. With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. He advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1908s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
