As the CTO of a startup in the trenches of 3D printing technology, I’m always thinking about how to push the boundaries of what's possible in our industry. It's not just about following trends; it's about setting them. That's why we're thinking about something new, something that could potentially reshape the landscape of 3D printing technology and its ownership. This is something that I've thought about for quite some time, so hear me out.

As far as I know, nothing like this has been proposed, according to my own search for such a licensing model.

Disclaimer

None of us are lawyers, and I understand there are challenges and risks with this proposed model. However, I still think it's important and thought provoking to have a conversation around what's possible.

The Dual Challenge in Today's 3D Printing Industry

In AM (Additive Manufacturing), there’s a constant balancing act between empowering our users and protecting the innovations that drive our machines. Customers want more control, the ability to replace parts on their own, or even fabricate replacements onsite when the warranty has expired, or perhaps to make a modification to the existing product. But on the flip side, as manufacturers, we face the ongoing challenge of protecting our intellectual property. This protection isn’t just about guarding trade secrets; it's about ensuring the longevity and integrity of our innovations. It's a complex puzzle, and I think there's room for a solution that meets both needs.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room for Businesses

One of the most significant issues with fully open-source models in the industry, is vulnerability to product cloning. While open-source fosters collaboration and innovation, it also opens the door for other manufacturers, often in markets like China, to copy and sell these designs at significantly lower prices, sometimes so low that companies go out of business. The situation undermines the original developers' hard work and investment but also saturates the market with cheaper, potentially lower-quality alternatives. It's a stark reminder that while open-source principles aim to democratize innovation, they can also expose creators to risks that challenge the sustainability of their business models.

GPL and other popular licenses are often use by the companies that fall prey to this phenomena.

Introducing the Concept: Customer-Exclusive Source Access License (CESAL)

I've been conceptualizing a unique approach that (for now) we’re calling the Customer-Exclusive Source Access License (CESAL). This isn't just another policy change; it's a paradigm shift. I want us to seriously re-think the relationship between manufacturers in AM and their users, exploring how we can enhance this partnership in a way that benefits everyone involved.

Empowering Users with CESAL

The core of CESAL is about empowering users. Imagine having access to your 3D printer's blueprints – the ability to dig into its inner workings, to modify and repair it as you see fit. This concept goes beyond simply providing more control; it's about enriching the user experience, deepening their understanding and engagement with the technology. We envision a scenario where users are not just passive consumers but active participants in the 3D printing process.

Sure, manufacturers can adopt the approach of using solely off the shelf parts to ensure customers can always access parts on the free market, but at the cost of innovation and the scope of unique features that can be offered by a company.

Safeguarding Innovations

At the same time, CESAL is designed to protect our intellectual property. It's about finding that sweet spot – giving users the freedom to innovate with their printers, while ensuring that our hard work and creativity aren’t compromised or unfairly exploited. This balance is vital. It fosters an environment where innovation is not only encouraged but also respected and protected.

A Game-Changer in the Industry

In an industry as dynamic and fast-paced as 3D printing, innovation is the name of the game. CESAL represents our commitment to this principle – pushing the envelope while taking a responsible approach to innovation and ownership. It’s not just about addressing the challenges of today; it’s about anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

Leading the Way in Innovation

We're not just proposing a new licensing model; we're advocating for a new way of thinking about 3D printing. We believe this concept has te potential to set new industry standards – standards that benefit our customers, foster innovation, and respect the hard work that goes into each of our products.

Broadening Horizons for Our Users

CESAL isn't just about handing over source files; it's about opening possibilities. This model allows users access to hardware design files, perhaps a sheet metal part that needs to be replaced from a 3rd party service, like SendCutSend.

It empowers users to repair, modify and extend functionality to their purchased equipment, while protecting the intellectual property of the manufacturer.

Protecting What We've Built

While we're all for innovation and collaboration, let's not forget the other critical aspect of CESAL: protecting our intellectual property. By keeping a tight rein on the commercial use of our technology, we're ensuring that the innovations developed aren't misused or exploited. This protection is essential for us to keep investing in research and development, to continue bringing cutting-edge technology to the market.

Responding to Industry Needs

The 3D printing industry is unique in its blend of creativity, technology, and community. With CESAL, we're responding to a need for a model that respects and nurtures these aspects. We understand that the path we're proposing is uncharted, but we're confident it's the right one. It's about creating a sustainable, innovative environment that benefits all stakeholders – from the lone tinkerer in their garage to the largest manufacturers.

Looking Forward: The Future of 3D Printing

As we move forward with the CESAL concept, our focus remains on fostering a culture of innovation and respect within the 3D printing community. We're not just introducing a new licensing model; we're setting the stage for a future where the freedom to innovate is balanced with the need to protect those innovations. This approach is our commitment to the industry, to our customers, and to the future of 3D printing.

In conclusion, since I'm not a lawyer, I'd like to share a shamelessly ChatGPT created proposal for the terms of our new license:

CESAL-DRAFT-1.0