How can i identify if a 3d model bought online is legit?

[Anonymous]

Hi guy's,

Recently to speed up certain part of my game development i am getting tempted to buy some models on site like cg trader and the like, but my question is how can i be sure about legitimacy of any models sold on these site?

Is there a way i can send you a model done in 3ds max so you can validate it was made on a legit commercial license?

In my opinion owner of 3d model site should required that people selling model on their site show proof of legitimate commercial license.

I am asking this since i don't want to have the bad surprise to see my game pull out from Steam!

[whitebirchstudios]

I buy libraries from places like Evermotion and it is funny, I find individual models from these libraries for sale on sites like 3DSKY. The individual models are not from the original creator. Someone is probably downloading the library online pirated and selling each model separately. I don't think there is any way to stop this. 

[Anonymous]

I saw Skyrim assets for sale on the unity forum and the unity asset store took months before they pulled them out!

[sam_large]

If something was modeled in a student version of 3DS Max then you'll get a message saying so when you open the file.

As for people making stuff on a pirate license...there's no real way to check but as long as you by things from a legit site (vizpark, evermotion etc.) then the responsibility lies with them. As they create and sell their own models then any issues that you have can immediately be passed onto them, though always check their T's & C's to make sure that you can use them for the purpose that you choose.

As for the "marketplace" style sites like CGTrader, Turbosquid and 3D Sky. Again theoretically the responsibility lies with them and I imagine if you called them up and say "you sold me a dodgy/copyrighted model" then they would side with you and seek action against the person selling through them.

tl;dr

You can't but if someone is selling you a model then it's their problem, not yours.

[whitebirchstudios]

I emailed a site selling stolen models and they told me to take it up with the person selling it. No, really!

[dgorsman]

The terms and conditions of the generic resale sites usually boil down to "buyer beware", as checking and verifying everything that gets posted would take a lot of man-hours.  Same thing with IP considerations, while they may take down some obvious things like "Star Wars" content they won't do the legwork to verify the more generic content.

If you really want IP security (and if you're selling something it's a *really* good idea) then contract a reputable provider to generate content to your terms.

[Anonymous]

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@sam_large wrote:

If something was modeled in a student version of 3DS Max then you'll get a message saying so when you open the file.

As for people making stuff on a pirate license...there's no real way to check but as long as you by things from a legit site (vizpark, evermotion etc.) then the responsibility lies with them. As they create and sell their own models then any issues that you have can immediately be passed onto them, though always check their T's & C's to make sure that you can use them for the purpose that you choose.

As for the "marketplace" style sites like CGTrader, Turbosquid and 3D Sky. Again theoretically the responsibility lies with them and I imagine if you called them up and say "you sold me a dodgy/copyrighted model" then they would side with you and seek action against the person selling through them.

tl;dr

You can't but if someone is selling you a model then it's their problem, not yours.

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I get your point but unfortunately if your game get pulled out only once from steam then the damage is irreversibly done, specially if your game has a multiplayer mode.

I will bump this thread until i got an answer by Autodesk staff.

[sam_large]

Like I said, unless it was made in a student version that's the only way you can tell if something isn't made on a full license.

Other than that, you can try messaging the creator/seller depending on where you buy it. I'm sure they'd have no reason to lie.

[JezEmin]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi guy's,

Recently to speed up certain part of my game development i am getting tempted to buy some models on site like cg trader and the like, but my question is how can i be sure about legitimacy of any models sold on these site?

Is there a way i can send you a model done in 3ds max so you can validate it was made on a legit commercial license?

In my opinion owner of 3d model site should required that people selling model on their site show proof of legitimate commercial license.

I am asking this since i don't want to have the bad surprise to see my game pull out from Steam!

---

I agree that the 3d model site should be doing the legwork to check whether the model was created on a legitimate commercial licence..... but they don't.

In my experience, the best software for determining whether the 3d model was created legitimately is Itoosoftware's Forest Pack Pro and Railclone.  I don't know what they have put in their software, but if the model has been made using their plugin which wasn't legal, you'll definitely have problems.  I know, because I've experienced it twice.  Once from a freelancer who did some work for me, and another time when I actually purchased a 3d model off Turbosquid.

As other's have said, you can't really tell, unless it was made using a student copy and you'll then get an irritating warning appear each time you open that model up (and I think if/when you merge it into a scene).

[Anonymous]

Any updates on this topic?

[sam_large]

Essentially unless it was created with a third party plugin that uses licensing and embeds this license into the model, you can't tell.

The only thing that Autodesk puts into their files is whether or not it's made using a student version or not.

If you're that concerned then either model it yourself or use a reputable freelancer.

The only thing that would really cause your game to be pulled is if you were infringing on someone else's copyright (e.g. the Star Wars example that someone had posted earlier).

Evermotion post their stuff for commercial use which I would assume extends to putting the model into a game (you would have to read their terms to be sure). I doubt they would contact steam and get your game pulled on the basis that you were sold an asset stolen from them.

[allenjustin897]

To identify if a 3D model bought online is legit, follow these key steps:

1. Check Seller Reputation: Look for user reviews and ratings on the platform. Positive feedback is a good sign of a reliable seller.

2. Examine Model Quality: Review high-resolution previews and wireframe views to assess the model's detail and overall quality.

3. Review Licensing: Ensure there's a clear licensing agreement that specifies usage rights.

4. Ask Questions: Contact the seller with any queries about the model or its compatibility.

5. Look for Documentation: Legitimate models often come with installation guides or readme files, indicating professionalism.

6. Compare Prices: If a price seems too low, it might be a red flag. Check similar models for a price range.

7. Use Reputable Marketplaces: Purchase from established platforms like TurboSquid, CGTrader, or Pastelcube, which focus on quality and verification of products.

By following these steps, you can confidently buy legitimate 3D models that suit your needs.