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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Noon on Fri, 01 April 2016, 05:06:14

Title: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: Noon on Fri, 01 April 2016, 05:06:14

Are there any artisan services that make an key cap in the form of a Borg cube? If so, who? And if not, would there be any interest in that? I'm guessing copyrighting might be an issue.

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 01 April 2016, 05:30:54

Welcome to Geekhack!

I don't recall seeing a Borg cube keycaps, might be a neat idea!

As far as copyright goes, there are all sorts of keycaps made based on copyright images.

It is ultimately up to the copyright holder, but generally it seems that the big companies don't worry that much about a very limited fan-made replica.

If you started mass-producing them and/or charging a lot of money and/or trying to associate your product with the original concept (Star Trek series, in this case) then they would probably send you a C&D letter.

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: Noon on Fri, 01 April 2016, 21:43:07

Thanks rowdy! That's some great information you've given me. I'm not sure I'd want to make artisans myself, but maybe once I move (get a garage and a workshop). In the meantime, are there any members that take custom orders?

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 02 April 2016, 01:04:18

Not that I'm aware of.

Most artisans have their own unique style, and tend to stick to that.

It won't stop you asking around, but don't be discouraged if they say no :)

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: ATXTider on Sat, 02 April 2016, 22:32:19

Resistance to buying it would be.....futile.

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: Dongulator on Sat, 02 April 2016, 23:17:28

I feel like suited up keycaps would be the best example of the borg cube with the legion keycap https://i.imgur.com/pkkWtfb.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/pkkWtfb.jpg)

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: daviswalkers on Sun, 03 April 2016, 08:37:28

I remember reading somewhere that (I think) PBS (who owns Star Trek Copy righting) has made it very clear that anyone can use their IP as long as it's purely for fan appreciation, as long as you do not make profit they're fine with anyone using it.

Title: Re: [IC] Borg cube artisan?
Post by: FLFisherman on Sun, 03 April 2016, 09:32:27

Quote from: daviswalkers on Sun, 03 April 2016, 08:37:28

I remember reading somewhere that (I think) PBS (who owns Star Trek Copy righting) has made it very clear that anyone can use their IP as long as it's purely for fan appreciation, as long as you do not make profit they're fine with anyone using it.

PBS seem like a very agreeable and rational network. I wouldn't doubt it's true. However, most media corporations allow usage of their works as long as it's not for profit.