Bridge Commander Central

BC Forums => BC General => Topic started by: FarShot on March 11, 2013, 11:51:22 PM

Title: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: FarShot on March 11, 2013, 11:51:22 PM
This might be something you and the rest of the mods should look into. I was browsing around for some free models when I came across this link. I'm not sure if they have permission or not to use them, but I think it's worth checking out.

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/112468

PM from Toa.  Looks pretty incriminating, I recognize a lot of BC modder's models in there.

Reposted from the Staff Forum so all modders may be made aware about it.  -FarShot
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Lionus on March 12, 2013, 12:11:20 AM
This guy will go down.  :mad: :bitch: I too recognize a lot of these ships. Hell, I've even betaed many of them! :nono:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: TwIzTiD on March 12, 2013, 01:15:49 AM
what a scumbag stealing other creators work for profit!  :banghead:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Darkthunder on March 12, 2013, 01:30:10 AM
So clearly LC's Warbird: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Warbird/4073848

Texturing may be alot lower quality, but I still see the resemblence from the original. Pisses me off when people take works that have been done by someone else, and pass it off as their own. And to charge money for it as well. Crash and burn!!!

EDIT: Another one I most definitely recognize: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Sovi/4077134 (CG Sovereign)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Lionus on March 12, 2013, 01:53:55 AM
DJ's Eclipse is there too, and our Kobayashi Maru, and JJ Cosntellation, an and and.. ARRGG :argh:

Worst thing is, that he is actually making real money with these.  :bitch: :facepalm:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: limey BSc. on March 12, 2013, 02:47:17 AM
I dunno. Based on what I remember of creating prims in SL, it would be far, far too difficult to make something from BC work in it.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Lionus on March 12, 2013, 03:55:35 AM
They don't necessarily work as they do in the game. But the models are still there.. which means that he somehow converted them to make them appear in SL, and makes money on DJ's, Baz's etc original creations.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Maxloef on March 12, 2013, 06:24:28 AM
that guy should be reported and the authors of the models compensated
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Phoenix Bondi on March 12, 2013, 06:53:55 AM
we need to write to them in person, What we all need to do is find out exactly WHO built what ship and write this all in a letter and get them to write one as well, i tried to flag the items and then i took me to another site, this is what was written, i erge every single one of us to do this and get these mesh's taken off the site even one of mine is on there and i am not happy

Quote
Trademarked and celebrity material
Linden Lab responds to complaints that content infringes trademarked or celebrity material. Trademarked material includes trademarked logos, trademarked brand names, and trade dress, which is the distinctive visual appearance of a product or its packaging.
It is often difficult to tell what may or may not be trademarked or protected as trade dress. However, use of designer logos and brand names without permission, such as Gucci, Nike, Louis Vuiton, etc., is usually not acceptable. If you don't have permission, please don't just use a misspelling of the brand name, for example, "Njke" instead of "Nike" ? instead, create your own original brand name that's associated uniquely with you!
If you're creating objects inspired by real-world objects, take care that your objects have an original appearance and shape. That's the best way to avoid trade dress issues. Be wary of imitating distinctive and recognizable product appearances. For example, the well-known appearance of the Eames lounge chair and ottoman from Herman Miller is protected under trade dress law.
Please also be aware that celebrities have a "right of publicity", which means that they have a right to control commercial uses of their name, image, likeness, and other aspects of their identity. Although you may be a fan, you risk infringing celebrity rights if you use a celebrity name or likeness in connection with in-world objects you trade, and you don't have the celebrity's permission.
If you are a trademark owner or a celebrity and you believe your rights have been infringed in Second Life, please submit a notification of infringement in writing to:
Linden Research, Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
945 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Alternatively, fax the document to (415) 520-9660.
To submit a notification, you must be the intellectual property owner or an authorized agent of the intellectual property owner. Do not submit an abuse report. Requests to remove allegedly infringing content are not handled through the abuse process.
When submitting a notification of trademark or trade dress infringement, provide a copy of the relevant trademark or trade dress registration(s) from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Please also provide the location in Second Life (the Region name and coordinates or, if on a website, the URL) where you believe the infringement is occurring, and the name of the Second Life Resident whom you claim is infringing.
For more information on trademarks, visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. There's also a trademark lookup feature on the front page:
Click Search Marks.
Click New User Form Search (Basic).
Under View Search History, select Plural and Singular and Live radio buttons.
Enter the name of the business in question (e.g., Nike).
Click Submit Query.
However, your search results may not tell you whether a particular use is "OK". If you're concerned that material you're using may conflict with another's trademark or intellectual property rights, we suggest you speak to an attorney.
Copyrighted material
Linden Lab follows the procedures described in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) regarding copyrighted materials. Learn more about Linden Lab's DMCA policy.
Notifications of copyright infringement must be in writing and submitted to:
Linden Research, Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
945 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Alternatively, fax the document to (415) 520-9660. On the cover sheet, please write "ATTN: DMCA NOTIFICATION".
If a legally sufficient DMCA notice is submitted, Linden Lab will then remove the identified materials as appropriate. Repeated copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property violations by a Resident may result in their accounts being suspended or terminated.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: baz1701 on March 12, 2013, 07:53:23 AM
For F**K sake, I see at least 7 of my models listed there! :wtf

My JJ refit pack.
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/JJConstellation/4125141
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Sirius/4125159
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/JJ-Miranda/4125191
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/USS-Discovery/4125209
JJ Excelsior
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/JJverse-Excelsior/4125203
Kobi Maru
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Kobayashi-Maru-tanker/4176735
DS9.
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Nor/4219798

Someone bring me some tar and feathers. This has pissed me off as I'm pretty fair with my porting policy. Might need a rethink.

I don't have a second life account nor do I want one so I cannot flag this.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: tiqhud on March 12, 2013, 09:00:30 AM
ARRGH, Bad move, seems as tho respect of moddelors has gone out the window. :hithead:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: King Class Scout on March 12, 2013, 09:43:19 AM
figures.  where is this stuff...I can always go take a look

Edit: yup, I recognise a lot of those pieces.  you think mabey they thought since they were "free" that they weren't owned?

I just hollered at the seller.  thing is, they may have to paramount/CBS nail it instead.  there's also a babylon 5 in there, so THEY might have a piece of the action, as well.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Adonis on March 12, 2013, 10:38:44 AM
Novi sad and Oberth amongst mine...one "nice" mail coming up :argh:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: baz1701 on March 12, 2013, 10:44:23 AM
If you have a mail address for non memebers let me know. I have a few choice words to write to them.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Phoenix Bondi on March 12, 2013, 11:45:09 AM
If you have a mail address for non memebers let me know. I have a few choice words to write to them.

read my big post there baz it has the post address there, as u can't flag it, u have to mail them
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: eclipse74569 on March 12, 2013, 12:09:15 PM
My reworked model/retexture of P81's Steamrunner class.... (https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Steamrunner/4087193)

They do have a facebook page...maybe someone can flag it there :)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Killallewoks on March 12, 2013, 12:32:58 PM
Jesus this has to be one of the biggest infringements I have ever seen. It's like the guy saw Bridge commander files and went all out. I hope this guy gets what's coming to him.   
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: WileyCoyote on March 12, 2013, 12:48:29 PM
My Excelsior Family Pack, Gabe Koerner Enterprise, and Phase II Enterprise are among the ones stolen.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Phoenix Bondi on March 12, 2013, 01:47:42 PM
well, i've contacted him personally now, here lookie :D

(http://www.chrisjonesgaming.org/phoenix/Text.jpg)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: King Class Scout on March 12, 2013, 02:18:08 PM
if this clears up...wanna hang out?  I finally got started in there after idling for 5 years 'cause of my crappy graphics card...and I'm utterly bored!
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Darkthunder on March 12, 2013, 02:23:32 PM
Nicely said Phoenix.

Taking peoples works and passing them off as your own is one thing. Charging money for said work? No way! If CBS/Paramount got whiff of this, i'd bet they would be none too pleased about it.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Bones on March 12, 2013, 02:57:58 PM
I wonder if this guy is aware that he's using ORIGINAL BIOWARE SR-2 Normandy  :funny one mail to Bioware and he's done for good because he claims it's 100% his work  :funny what an ass

I can see some of mine retextures too, oh and there's Centurus USS Resurrection... where can I get e-mail adress to this ... "person" ???
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Toa_Kaita on March 12, 2013, 03:16:17 PM
Id like to help out too if I can; Im really not a modder like most of you, but the community has been good to me for as long as Ive been a part of it. If theres anything I can do, just give me a buzz.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Bones on March 12, 2013, 03:35:48 PM
I have politely informed that champ he's about to face a true shit-storm from Bioware if he do not delete my retextured Constellation and Centurus Resurrection (which has my textures)... not to mention SR-2 for which I had to dig through whole Bioware Social to contact proper person and ask for permission to use it while he simply put a claim that all of the stuff he's selling is 100% his ... I call it bullshit and I call it damn offensive towards people like DJ,Wiley, Baz, Adonis, etc. who really put some damn effort to build their beauties  :mad:

FFS what's wrong with those kids these days ??? I don't remember things like this happening so often back in 2002-2009...
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Maxloef on March 12, 2013, 03:38:40 PM
if you would check the store again almost everything has been removed ;)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 12, 2013, 03:39:40 PM
this discussion has also been brought up over at the Excalibur forums, if anyone would like to see there...
http://www.stexcalibur.com/forum/index.php/topic,7247.0.html
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Darkthunder on March 12, 2013, 03:56:07 PM
if you would check the store again almost everything has been removed ;)

Which is nice and all, but what about any and all money this "douchebag" might've earnt, for selling works of art created by someone else? Not to mention, the legal ramifications of selling "Trek" artwork, without a license to the IP. Who wants to notify CBS/Paramount? :P
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: King Class Scout on March 12, 2013, 04:19:58 PM
this actually happened back in 2000 or so to another fandom I'm part of.  a theif made off with several thousand pictures, erased all the original artists' copyright indicators and signatures, put them on CD's after replacing it with his OWN signature, and started selling.  doezens of artists bolted, withdrew all their material from the net and walked away.  what the guy stole is similar in calibur to the models you guys make.  professional caliber artwork.  if the name "Sibe" comes up, I wouldn't be suprised.  that theif was arrested, convicted, and put in a mental institution for other crimes.

and if you guys haven't noticed...your models were selling for 500 linden...a buck and a half (75p/?1)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: FarShot on March 12, 2013, 04:30:19 PM
Instead of asking him to remove the ships, you all should have blackmailed him.  Oh well. :P
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Phoenix Bondi on March 12, 2013, 04:51:18 PM
ah we work as a team, and we win :D well done guys :D
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: baz1701 on March 12, 2013, 05:34:23 PM
Well done guys. :yay: :thumbsup: To quote the borg when BC gets pissed Resistance is futile :assimilate :smack:
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Darkthunder on March 12, 2013, 05:58:01 PM
ah we work as a team, and we win :D well done guys :D

That's the beauty of the BC community; Whenever someone "wrongs" the community, the entire community comes together to defend the person wronged. :D
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: CyAn1d3 on March 12, 2013, 06:46:31 PM
i have no friggin clue what that is, other than it looks like the sims and facebook had a bastard child from hell...
nor cant i friggin believe some dildo would do that...

bones, id drop the email to bioware anyway.
call it karma  :evil:

Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Bones on March 12, 2013, 07:20:08 PM
i have no friggin clue what that is, other than it looks like the sims and facebook had a bastard child from hell...
nor cant i friggin believe some dildo would do that...

bones, id drop the email to bioware anyway.
call it karma  :evil:



did it mate, after getting "you can choke on your poor ships" :D not only I've brought it to Bioware's attention, I've also wished them good hunting :D


as for blackmail Farshot,I think my mail could work just like blackmail here ;) full mail below
Quote
Greetings,

Disturbing matter came to my attention today, I was informed via BCC (Bridge Commander Central - a Star Trek Bridge Commander game forum) that many models of my friends and some retextures I have made, are being sold by you on this site.

I am politely asking you to delete following models from this site permanently
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/USS-Ressurection/4201541
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Constellation/4249182

I did not give you permission nor was I asked for one, thus you are violating terms of usage stated in Readme for both models (clearly I do not give permission for commercial use of my work which means you are not allowed to seel it in any form)

Lastly I find it offending that no credit has been given to original authors of models : Centurus for USS Resurrection and LC Amaral for Constellation and original author of new set of textures for both models (namely me)

I do hope you will come to reason and delete both modelsfrom your selling list, otherwise I will be forced to forward this message to Admins and if this does not solve this matter, you will face legal charges for claiming and stealing artistic work.

Best resgards,

Maciej N. a.k.a. Bones (dr_mccoy11 from BCFiles)

PS. : If I were you, I would also get rid of the SR-2 Normandy, because you claim it's yours... I did ask Bioware for permission to port THEIR model from Mass Effect 3 over to ST Bridge Commander and they granted it as long as I credit Bioware to use their mesh. I hope you do realise one message to Bioware art/design dept is more than enough to cause you ALOT of troubles, do you ? So friendly advice, add SR-2 to your delete list.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Phoenix Bondi on March 12, 2013, 07:52:05 PM
ah screw it, Mess with us your in shit :D
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 12, 2013, 08:32:54 PM
Whenever someone "wrongs" the community, the entire community comes together to defend the person wronged. :D
so very true...
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: TwIzTiD on March 13, 2013, 02:42:46 AM
looks like everything has been removed...i just checked to original post and all the models are gone,congrats everyone!  ;)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Lionus on March 13, 2013, 03:14:56 AM
I wonder what happened to the funds he got from the models.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: FarShot on March 13, 2013, 03:49:17 AM
Yeah... he still won if he was paid for any of those...  Wish we could take the guy to court.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: moed on March 13, 2013, 10:34:40 AM
Unbelievable that this prick would do this.  I too checked the site and indeed it seems everything's been taken down.

If this individual did get some money prior to removing everything.  May he burn in hell.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: 086gf on March 13, 2013, 03:13:32 PM
My god some people...

I pray that Bioware, Warners and Paramont/CBS get a hold of his slimy behind and gives it a good flogging.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Shadowknight1 on March 13, 2013, 04:19:46 PM
did it mate, after getting "you can choke on your poor ships" :D not only I've brought it to Bioware's attention, I've also wished them good hunting :D

Wait, that was his actual response to you?!
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Bones on March 13, 2013, 04:26:19 PM
Add hello at the begining and goodbye at the end ;) yeah that's pretty much like it ;)

I do hope someone will get that buster somewhere and give him hell :evil: seen too many of lowlifes like this one, they always make one mistake too many ;)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Shadowknight1 on March 13, 2013, 09:19:47 PM
That has got to be the most disrespectful reply I can think of without resorting to foul language.  I hope Bioware nails this bastard to the fucking wall.

Pardon my own language, but a guy like that deserves it.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: CyAn1d3 on March 13, 2013, 09:32:26 PM
hell i couldnt have said it better myself shadow.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Bones on March 14, 2013, 03:36:55 AM
Agreed, I hope Bioware do that.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: King Class Scout on March 14, 2013, 04:14:20 PM
um, guys...they may just trace it back to us complainers, and nail US, too.  some corporations are LIKE that.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Darkthunder on March 14, 2013, 04:31:10 PM
um, guys...they may just trace it back to us complainers, and nail US, too.  some corporations are LIKE that.

Doubtful.

CBS/Paramount are generally quite "open" to people using the Trek IP, so long as no profits are made (unless you own a license). The "mod thief" broke that cardinal rule, by not only outright stealing the various ship mods without asking permission, but also charging real money to obtain them in "Second Life". The BC community is fully in the clear on this matter.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Maxloef on March 15, 2013, 04:35:02 AM
Doubtful.

CBS/Paramount are generally quite "open" to people using the Trek IP, so long as no profits are made (unless you own a license). The "mod thief" broke that cardinal rule, by not only outright stealing the various ship mods without asking permission, but also charging real money to obtain them in "Second Life". The BC community is fully in the clear on this matter.

That may be but things like this have a tendancy to backfire on the whole communitie...
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: hobbs on March 16, 2013, 07:08:50 AM
i was thinking the same as KCS... but also thought that we are ok because of the non-money making side of our community.

till it happens im going with the "we'll be ok" thought :) its just the way i am.

edit: what if we nipped any issues in the bud and asked via email if cbs etc are ok with us doing what we do... (but then i bet they already know about BC Central)
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: 086gf on March 18, 2013, 01:55:03 PM
They indeed already know of us(all trek game communities). I know that they've been contacted by different modders(mostly armada)before in past years. Clearly all of the various sites are still up, so thats all we need to know right there. Just don't be making money and they'll let us be.
Title: Re: Modder rights infringement - Second Life?
Post by: Shadowknight1 on March 18, 2013, 07:33:05 PM
They indeed already know of us(all trek game communities). I know that they've been contacted by different modders(mostly armada)before in past years. Clearly all of the various sites are still up, so thats all we need to know right there. Just don't be making money and they'll let us be.
That's generally how it is, that's why Bioware let Bones bring the Normandies and other ships into BC.