Privacy, Legal & Ethics

Can you legally copyright or trademark a 3D scan of an existing physical building or property?

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This is a complex and evolving area of intellectual property law. The 3D scan itself (as a creative digital work) may receive copyright protection, but scanning someone else's architecturally protected building raises questions about derivative works. The concept of "physibles" — digital datasets that can reproduce physical objects — challenges traditional copyright boundaries. Legal guidance varies significantly by jurisdiction; consult an IP attorney for specific situations.

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