Copyright...

[bri3d 4]

I believe this is in the right place. Lets hope so .

I haven't been BATing too much lately (too many projects that never get finished, but I never post them on ST), but I was planning to replicate a development near my neighborhood based on the elevations and floorplans, in addition to photos, of a new Pulte Homes neighborhood. I have the brochure from visiting the model homes (I love to do that ), and also the website if I need it. But, my question is, is it really legal to directly copy from their plans? If this ever gets finished, I'd like to upload it to the STEX.

This is the copyright statement from their website: "Copyright © 2007 Pulte Homes, Inc. All rights reserved. These materials are provided by Pulte Homes as a service to the public and are to be used for personal informational purposes only. We grant you permission to download this web site's content and to print a single hard copy for your use only. You may not otherwise use, copy, modify, distribute, republish, or transmit any of the content or materials from this web site without the written permission of Pulte Homes. You agree that if you violate this prohibition, you may be subject to all legal remedies available to Pulte Homes, and you will additionally be responsible for any other losses, attorneys' fees or costs Pulte Homes may incur as a result of your violation."

I won't be using this for any financial gain, so...? Any input is appreciated. This seemed different from other BATs because of the use of currently selling plans. Thanks.

[dadyrghluv 8]

u would actually have to ask them in writing. thats the best advice i can give u. they may ok it, since ur not profiting off of it, but u never know

[ilikehotdogsalot 307]

well, i don't really think they'll sue you for putting their homes in a video game, but you never know why not just 'modify' some of the plans onto your own style?

[Glenni 1,444]

No, just do whatever you please, you don't sell the product, you share it as freeware, go for it!

[KingTitan 6]

When was the last time anyone was sued in simtropolis.com? NEVER. I really don't think it is an issue unless you have a major music label after ya for mass producing. Copywrites protect the vedor/creator, from losing money from prospects that try to capitolise on their idea....for example. Coca-Cola has to renew it's copywrite every 15 years. So, it can be up for grab's in the latter part of the 14th year in the 4th quarter. If your intentions are to make money from using someone elses product...be reADY TO PAY UP.... but, if you do not......don't worry...

Seriously....too many people are sooooooo worried about this......

[omnivoreceo 54]

I think you'll be fine. If anything, it's free advertising. So long as you don't profit, you're not violating their copyright. And for all practical matters, you're a name on a site..not your actual name, so you'd be fine.

Do it, I like Pulte homes and would love to see some recreated in the game.

[krbe 193]

It's illegal to copy something and hand it out (unless it's your own work), but a BAT based on some floor plans is more like a photograph or painting -- which you don't need permission to make.

[KingTitan 6]

My recipe that I got on-line for no bake cookies is not protected. LOL

[bri3d 4]

Wow, an overwhelming response in less than 2 hours.

@dadyrghluv - I thought about that, and like you said, you never know.

@ilikehotdogsalot - I doubt they will turn out exact, so accidental modifying will probably happen anyway...

@Glenni - Point taken, I'm not selling it...

@KingTitan - Hmm, I'm not sure I've seen much worry before, and I searched for threads. But I'm a natual worrier.

@omnivoreceo - Lol, it is like free advertising to them. I like Pulte Homes too, the ones near me are really nice; start in the upper $500,000s...ouch.

@krbe - So true - almost like a photograph of a McDonads restaraunt.

@KingTitan -

Thanks for all of the input (everyone), and your right, ST hasn't been sued. I will (attempt) to BAT again.

[dadyrghluv 8]

goodluck with it, post a few pics when u get a chance, and let us see how they comapare.

like i had said, nothing wrong with covering your rear incase they decide to get cute, and find some sort of loophole, they can squeeze into suing a person.

all about the mighty dollar i tell ya lol.

[hamsterTK 93]

I'm no lawyer, but..

I kind of see this in line with a photograph since Simcity only shows an image of the building, and only an outside one at that.

Anyways, besides that, avoid trying to make these exactly from the plans, because they will be out of scale with the rest of the game. You might have to make some changes to make them fit.

[Jasoncw 11,839]

Horizontally you should be fine.  Vertically you should scale it up, check out the BAT Mega FAQ for more info.

About the legal issues, I don't think it really matters.

[bri3d 4]

@hamsterTK - I agree. And the plans/elevations have no dimensions, so they are general guidelines. I was planning for them to be able to fit on a 1x1 tile, but just barely. I real life the homes are about 2900 to 4000+ sf.

@Jasoncw - I read the BAT Mega faq a while ago, and I saw that article/post. Very useful stuff...

[SimRabbit123 6]

You see, we have created many real life buildings through out these 5 years and we haven't sued.

[ILL Tonkso 1,236]

Originally posted by: SimRabbit123 You see, we have created many real life buildings through out these 5 years and we haven't sued.quote>

Touch Wood

[tahill79 13]

ok just to put a lil info into this from somebody who owns copyrights. i produce beats for local rappers in my area and all my music is copyrighted and even tho its music the copyright is still the same. ure not allowed to use or distribute any copyrighted material in any way or u will be subjected to major fines and even jail time. but on the other hand look at all the buildings on here like all the WTC buildings are copyrighted but they are on here. so i really wouldnt swet it. just make ure buildings and change a few lil things about it so it aint so obvious.

[toxicpiano 125]

This is the internet... since when did anyone care about copyright?

[GoaSkin 2]

If you care about a copyright of your creations, you should use an usable open content license that may be added to your zip archive with an advice in the README that this creation is released under the terms and conditions of that license.

There are LOTs of various licenses for freeware that are usable for content projects too or do have alternative versions for open content of their licenses. For example: public domain, GPL, BSD...