Custom Instruction

[fabulous_bricks]

Hi! I am new and maybe someone can help me!

In the last months i built quite a few larger models and designed custom instructions for them. I used screenshots from the Lego Digital Designer. Now I was wondering if it is legal to sell these manuals (3-4$) and who is the owner of the rights for the screenshots? I took screenshots from the LDD but of my own custom model.

Here is also a link to some photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/60112751@N06/

Thanks

[DLuders]

The License Agreement (which you acknowledged when you installed LDD) specifically says you cannot use LDD for commercial purposes.

[JopieK]

So then use LDraw ;)

[Superkalle]

Hm, interesting question. Even though DLuders is right, I'm still not sure what TLG would actually say. I mean, it's not a major business we're talking about An alternative is I think to use another tool, like MLCad or SR3D.

About rights to screenshots, they would be yours as far as I understand. When you create something articstic, then you are by international copyright laws the owner of that work. Compare to an artist making a piece of music, or a painter. There can always be debate wether a Lego model has enough "artistic height" to be concidered protected by said laws. Also, it can be debated how novel a LEGO model can be, since you always draw inspiration from others. An other thing is off couse the potential rights to the design of the car you have modeled, but I'm not sure if a lego model in that sence can be concidered a depiction, like a photo, and if that is then valid. And on the matter, I don't know how TLG themselves view their rights to their models, has anyone read any copyright messages on the box or instructions?

Just realised I put more qustions then anwers in this post

[fabulous_bricks]

Thank you for your comments. But I don't think that it is possible to know from which programm I took the screenshot, for an example here is one:

[Brickdoctor]

Thank you for your comments. But I don't think that it is possible to know from which programm I took the screenshot, for an example here is one:

[snip]

Either my eyes are 20 years older than they really are or you have some sort of program that I've never heard of if that isn't a Back to the Future DeLorean in LDD 4. (and if it is, I could tell even if I didn't know you were using LDD. The style of the parts outlines give it away)

[Superkalle]

In any case fabolous-bricks, I woudn't worry about it too much. Give it a go and see if you manage to sell any instructions. If it turns into a million dollar business, then TLG-lawyers may pay you a visit

Anyway, let us know how it goes - it's an interesting project in any case