📌Flexible IP Licensing Management

PRINTED-IN’s Flexible IP Licensing Management system is designed to give creators full control over how their 3D models are used, shared, and monetized. Through the use of advanced smart contracts and blockchain protocols, creators can set custom licensing terms for their digital assets, ensuring that their intellectual property (IP) is used in a way that aligns with their intentions and goals. This flexibility empowers creators to unlock various revenue streams while protecting their rights in a transparent, automated manner.

Customizable Licensing Terms

Creators on PRINTED-IN can define detailed licensing terms directly within the smart contract of their NFT. This means they can specify conditions like the duration of access, the number of allowable prints, geographic restrictions, or even usage limits tied to specific types of 3D printers. For example, a creator might issue a license that allows a user to print a model up to 50 times within a one-year period, or restrict usage of a design to non-commercial purposes only. These customizable terms give creators the power to tailor their licensing to meet different market needs and user profiles. A hobbyist looking for a personal-use license will have different needs compared to a business looking to use a design in a commercial product line. By offering flexible options, PRINTED-IN ensures that creators can cater to various types of buyers without compromising on control over their IP.

Automated Enforcement through Smart Contracts

The heart of PRINTED-IN’s licensing management system lies in the use of smart contracts, which automatically enforce the terms set by the creator. When a user purchases a license for a model, the smart contract tracks and enforces the agreed-upon conditions. For instance, if a user has a time-limited license, the smart contract can automatically disable access to the model after the license expires, ensuring that users comply with the terms without manual oversight from the creator.

This automation extends to usage tracking, where the smart contract can monitor how many times a model has been printed under a particular license. If a license allows for 10 prints, the contract will ensure that the model cannot be printed an eleventh time without obtaining a new license. This reduces the administrative burden for creators, allowing them to focus on their creative process while the platform handles the intricacies of enforcing their rights.

ERC-6551 Enhanced Licensing Accounts

PRINTED-IN integrates ERC-6551 (Token Bound Accounts) to add even more sophistication to its licensing system. Each NFT is linked to a Token Bound Account that can handle licensing agreements, track usage, and process payments autonomously. This means that every time a license is purchased or renewed, the Token Bound Account can manage royalty distributions, license validation, and ensure compliance with the terms set by the creator. For example, if a user licenses a 3D model for a commercial use, the Token Bound Account can automatically calculate and process ongoing royalty payments based on the revenue generated from that use. It can also log each usage instance, creating a clear record of how the model is being used. This level of programmability allows for more complex licensing structures, such as tiered royalties or variable pricing based on usage levels, all managed seamlessly through the blockchain.

Global Reach with IP Protection

PRINTED-IN’s licensing management system is built to accommodate creators and users from around the world, with features that ensure IP rights are respected across different jurisdictions. The smart contracts include capabilities for enforcing geographic restrictions, allowing creators to control where their models can be printed or distributed. This is particularly valuable for designers who want to release certain models in specific markets while limiting access in others. Additionally, all licensing agreements are recorded immutably on the blockchain, providing a transparent and verifiable record of each license. This tamper-proof record serves as a legal-grade proof of the terms of use, offering creators and licensees a clear reference in case of disputes. By using blockchain as a decentralized ledger, PRINTED-IN ensures that both parties can trust the licensing process, regardless of their location.

Decentralized Dispute Resolution

In the event of disputes over licensing terms or unauthorized use of a model, PRINTED-IN's smart contract system supports decentralized dispute resolution. Creators can initiate automated dispute processes if they believe their terms have been violated, while licensees can present their transaction records as proof of compliance. The blockchain’s transparency serves as the basis for resolving such conflicts without the need for traditional intermediaries, reducing the time and costs associated with legal proceedings. This system provides a layer of security for both creators and users, as it ensures that each party’s rights are upheld according to the terms originally agreed upon. For example, if a licensee exceeds their print limit, the smart contract can automatically halt further usage while initiating a review process. This keeps the ecosystem fair and balanced, supporting the integrity of all transactions.

PRINTED-IN bridges the gap between digital 3D models and tangible, real-world products through its Seamless Physical Printing feature. This service allows users to take licensed 3D models from the platform and transform them into physical objects with ease, all while maintaining the transparency and security that blockchain technology offers. By integrating with a network of trusted 3D printing service providers and utilizing $PIN tokens for transactions, PRINTED-IN ensures that every step from digital design to physical creation is smooth, efficient, and secure.