A long time ago, I bought a sword in Matamoros, Mexico. Tonight, I got the sword and was going to use it as a reference as I modelled the sword. I didn't intend to create a replica of it, just something inspired by it, but I ended up creating something that looks 95% like the sword I bought. Anyway, here's my 3rd official prop for Poser. Also, I'm trying to create a morphing axe, and am having trouble. Does anyone know how to import an .obj, and then load morph targets for that .obj - and then apply the morphs without its position being altered, and any ideas on increasing the morphs strength, so you don't have to turn the dial a billion times to make a difference? Thanks a million! Ben

Oh, the copyright question was do you think it would be a violation of copyright to use this model in commercial renders? The model is substantially close to the actual sword. So close that you would have to look hard to see the difference, and you would immediately connect the two. I'm leaning toward the idea that yes, it would be a violation of copyright. Whaddyall think? ben MessianicArt.com

Just beautiful, not sure, accept we did a replica of a John Deere tractor and we contacted them, they said it was fine to use, we just couldn't use there copyrighted name on the model. Sharen

It looks like a hybrid of a kiljar & a falchion - with more of an arc to the blade it swould be a scimitar - the blade shape, being a historical reproduction swouldn't be copyrightable, but the design on the blade, if a faithful copy, might. I'd change that. Also the Pomel and crossguard fillials could probably be modified without too much trouble. Then there'd be no cause for concern, because that's all the dozens of sword-reproduction companies do for theirs.

Ask Dark Whisper about that one. The 'Sooth Slayer' axe in his store, is a 2nd version. The first one he created from an image in a D&D book. They told him he had to change it because it was too close. From the sounds of it, about as close as yours is. ~EA

My understanding is that copyright protects a single expression of an idea. Unless your item is identical to the original, you are probably not violating copyright regardless of what anyone says. That's why there are books with halflings, even though they are exactly like hobbits... as long as they aren't actually called hobbits... it doesn't violate copyright. And why more than one author can write about dragons, elves, dwarves, etc. But... rather than get into a legal battle that could cost you money, it's better to avoid those issues and either ask, or make the item significantly different. Ask a copyright attorney if you want a legal definition of what is legal - most of what is posted here is just conjecture.

Great job on this sword too. Keep up the good work.

It's not a copyright violation, but if you'd feel better running back down to Mexico to pay the old man who made the sword, feel free. I dare say, that if you made a real sword that looked exactly like the original and sold it by the dozens, you still would not be violating a copyright. That sword design isn't even Mexican in origin, chances are that the maker copied it from somewhere too. It's nice to see you are so conscientious about copyrights, but you're getting a little carried away here.

Attached Link: http://www.loc.gov/copyright/

Great sword. I want one. Re: the copyright issue, you're free and clear unless like leather-guy said, you're copying someone else's artwork on the blade. This is just a historical reproduction. It would be different if it was your intent to copy a specific design that was owned by someone else. A few weeks ago, someone here did a copy of a sword that was designed and owned by WOTC, and they said no way, so he had to change it considerably. Check out the link above if you want details about what is covered by copyright. I'm not even sure that it applies to making 3D figures from the real thing. They are after all, two very different forms of expression.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12356&Form.ShowMessage=654100

Also, check out this thread. If this is okay, you have nothing at all to worry about.

You think they paid attention to the copyrites when they coppied it! Probably a Morish design from 12th century or so. Just what ya need to cut through the flies at the Matamoros meat market!