Mythbusting: Can you Instagram your Hero Forge models?

Hero Forge is a leader in the world of 3d-printing for tabletop miniatures. You can design your own, tailoring the model until it’s a great fit for your RPG character, the villain of your piece or mascot for your convention.

You can even do that in colour and print a model that’s so good you may not even need to paint it.

But what if you did want to paint it? And what if you wanted to paint it on camera? On Twitch? Are you allowed to do that?

That may seem like an odd question, but if you buy a Darth Vadar action figure, you’re not allowed to start creating and selling Star Wars designs. Purchasing a model doesn’t mean you’ve purchased a license for intellectual property rights.

Here’s what Sky Castle Studios, the company that runs Hero Forge, says in its T&Cs about its intellectual property rights and what you can, and cannot, do with them;

Sky Castle Studios offers or may offer for purchase downloadable 3D model files that may include Character Designs (“3D Models”). Except as expressly provided in these Terms, Sky Castle Studios retains all ownership, right, title, and interest in the 3D models. The 3D Models may be printed or otherwise used for personal, noncommercial use and may not be resold, redistributed, or made available to third parties. Physical items printed from the 3D Models may not be sold or otherwise used commercially for any purpose, including as part of a larger project.

The first thing to keep in mind that there are two types of “models”. One type is the 3d prints themselves, the physical models. The others are designs; the digital ones. This paragraph comes from a section titled “Downloadable 3D model files”.

So, Geek Native got in touch with Hero Forge directly with some questions;

• Can I use Instagram to show off my Hero Forge acquired models or dioramas that I build with them?
• Can I use Hero Forge models in a Twitch stream that I’ve monetised?
• Can I paint a Hero Forge model in a YouTube video that I’ve monetised?
• Can I include photography of Hero Forge models in an RPG I’m selling?
• Can I give away a Hero Forge model in a competition?

The answers are pretty straightforward, but sometimes there’s an “If you have permission” requirement first.

Can I use Instagram to show off my Hero Forge acquired models or dioramas that I build with them? 

We definitely allow for folks photographing and posting their designs online. This can be done for the purposes of news coverage of our brand and for the purposes of review. If the figures will be used for a commercial endeavor however, like appearing on a twitch show or in an advertisement, then we would want to discuss the terms — we have an application form we can link you to: https://www.heroforge.com/media-request/?path=show

Can I use Hero Forge models in a Twitch stream that I’ve monetised? 

This also is something we permit after a brief content review–same as the previous question. (Use the link above, and fill out the form, you’ll be emailed with a response that contained usage permissions and restrictions)

Can I paint a Hero Forge model in a YouTube video that I’ve monetised? 

Folks can paint models on stream without any kind of agreement or license.

Can I include photography of Hero Forge models in an RPG I’m selling? 

We do not permit commercial reuse of our image output.

Can I give away a Hero Forge model in a competition? 

You can certainly give away a Hero Forge gift card. If you have purchased a physical model, you are also allowed to give that away. You cannot, however, purchase a digital model and sell printed copies of it – that would be in violation of our terms.