Ok so not on this site but I've noticed all Ferrari and BMW car models have been removed from sale at TS.

Is the the start of legal action by manufactures and could we see it spreading to other sites.

I just found an article dated 4 Aug 2016 that says BMW Group Sues Turbosquid for Selling 3D Models of Their Car Designs.

https://www.solidsmack.com/cad-design-news/bmw-group-sues-turbosquid-for-selling-3d-models-of-their-car-designs/

Thanks for that ink wolfenshire, I'm now wondering how far this will spread.

I wonder if Matchbox has to pay royalties for all their models?

Or companies like Tamiya and Airfix with cars.

If it is an identifiable trademark, probably the toy manufacturers are paying royalties. Car manufacturers do own the copyrights to their car's appearance, it's a pretty clear cut case if they want to enforce them.

I went on a search for why a car manufacturer might get bent over a 3D model. I found one post that said you won't find a Ferrari in a racing game (don't know if that's true, I don't play racing games) but, it's supposedly because it defames the car and paints a bad image of the manufacturer. I found another post that stated GM doesn't give a flying flip as long as no money is involved. So, I guess if you make a 3d model of a car you're rolling the dice on whether the manufacturer gets twisted about it. Now I'm wondering how far they could take this. If you draw/make a picture of the Duke Brothers jumping a ditch in a BMW while running from Boss Hogg, and you sell prints, are you going to run afoul of civil law?

Maybe if you stick to making models of the Yugo. I'm sure nobody cares about that car, and it couldn't possibly be painted in a worse light that it already is/was.

I'd say you'd be safe doing Edsels, Pinto's, and Gremlins too, and probably even a Vega ;)

Strangely I owned a Yugo here in the UK for a few years back in the early 90's. It was ok as basic A-B transport but the build quality and materials used inside were horrendous. Interior bits fell off and cheap plastic switches broke. I was glad to get rid. I owned an 81 Old's Cutlass in the mid to late 80's and I loved it, wish I'd never sold it. The only problem I had was the size of it in UK parking spaces. Lovely car though.

Yes, matchbox, airfix, revell, tamiya etc pay a lot of money to licence the models.

also to note: with the new EU copyright laws coming that hold a store as accountable as the maker of an infringing item, they could be cleaning house.

I wonder how this store will handle these upcoming laws?

(I attach a link to an article on this, concerning fan game content. don't be fooled thinking "oh games that don't affect us in 3D land" yes, yes it does. this law does not see any difference between game content, 3d content, memes etc)

https://kotaku.com/proposed-eu-copyright-law-could-cause-problems-for-fan-1827032250

just doing a quick search in the marketplace and we see in transport (chosen for the cars question)

Bentley Dodge Chevrolet toyota cadilliac mercedes a VW Campervan Jeep Lincoln Citroen Austin Healey

if I was running the marketplace, knowing the upcoming laws, I'd be doing some work right off....

Over at Daz most if not all the cars are named differently. I'm not sure what difference this will make but some manufacturers might not be too concerned with classic cars or manufacturers that are no longer in business.

I imagine if you don't call it a 1998 Buggymobile Rustbucket and don't include any trademarked logos an auto manufacturer wouldn't take the time or effort to prove it's a replica of their car even if it is.