**Open-sourcing CORE One CAD Files Under the New Open Community License (OCL) - A Game-Changer for Makers and Businesses**

The world of 3D printing has just gotten a whole lot more exciting! Today, we're thrilled to announce that we're releasing the full CAD files for our popular CORE One and CORE One L frames under the new Open Community License (OCL). This means that you can download these files, use them to create mods and accessories, import them into your favorite CAD software or planning tool, and even produce spare parts to keep your machines running - all while enjoying complete freedom to modify and share your creations.

But what sets the OCL apart from traditional licenses like GNU GPL or Creative Commons? For starters, it's designed to be concise, human-readable, and includes practical examples linked directly in the document. This means you'll know exactly what you can and cannot do with these files - no more confusion or uncertainty!

So, what can you do with files under OCL?

* **Download, inspect, and learn from the full STEP + Fusion assemblies** * **Modify them and share your mods (under the same OCL)** * **Use modified or unmodified designs in your own workshop, print farm, or production line** * **Produce spare parts to keep your machines running (home or business)**

And what can't you do?

* **Sell complete machines or remixes based on these files, unless you have a separate agreement with the owner of the license**

**What is the Open Community License?**

The OCL is our answer to the gaps left by traditional software licenses when applied to physical hardware. It's designed to be flexible and inclusive, allowing makers and businesses alike to use, modify, and share their creations without restrictions - as long as they respect the terms of the license.

Here are some key benefits of OCL:

* **Complete freedom to use, modify, and share derivatives back to the community** * **Explicit patent license grant, creating a safe harbor for everyone using the files legitimately** * **Protection against AI data mining and a codified Right-to-Repair**

**A Shield for Your Creations**

We designed OCL to be a template that any business or creator can use. We've seen too many talented community members design brilliant mods or accessories, only to have them mass-produced and sold without giving credit back to the creators.

With OCL, we're establishing a standardized legal framework that asserts your rights from day one. By adopting this license, you'll have a powerful tool to protect your creations and prevent exploitation.

**A Real-World Warning: The Case of Lucky 13**

We've all seen it happen - a creator releases their design under an open license, only to have it patented by someone else who claims they didn't know about the prior art. This is exactly what happened to Soozafone, the creator of the legendary Dummy 13 printable figure.

Despite releasing his design under Creative Commons, a foreign entity took the design and filed for a US Design Patent (D1055176) on it. Now, armed with this illegitimate patent, they're aggressively issuing takedown notices and demanding licensing fees of over $10,000 a year from sellers - including targeting the original upload on Printables!

But here's the thing: OCL wouldn't have stopped the patent from being granted in the first place. However, it would have changed the war that comes after - by removing the excuse and creating even more serious contract violation.

**The Right License for the Right Job**

We continue to use traditional OSI licenses like GPL where they make the most sense, but we've been missing a simple license that's fully open for non-commercial use while still allowing internal commercial use. OCL fills this gap!

By adopting OCL, you'll have a flexible and inclusive license that allows you to share your creations without restrictions - as long as you respect the terms of the license.

**A Call to Action**

We're releasing both the STEP files and a Fusion assembly of the CORE One(+) and CORE One L under OCL right now. Download them, read the license, and let us know what you think! If you believe in what we're building, use the OCL for your own creations - and together, let's build a community that values sharing, collaboration, and innovation!

Happy hacking, makers!