Unauthorized Recasting of Props

As a community, we consider it wrong to duplicate and sell copies of replica props without having the proper authorization to do so when those props are actively licensed, in production and/or available for sale by the original makers.

This is primarily because we consider it harmful to the investment of the licensee/maker as it may create a potential loss in their sales revenue and/or damage their relationship with the licensing entity that they have an agreement with.  Additionally, it increases the likelihood of further regulation within the replica prop making community.

As a community, we also consider it wrong when individuals have their personal creations duplicated and sold without their authorization to do so being given.  This is because we consider it harmful to the investment of time and money they made in order to bring these creations to the community.  Additionally, it also increases the likelihood that the maker will not continue to bring new contributions to the replica prop making community at large.

Some examples of recent unauthorized recasts that we will not allow on this forum include:

• Unauthorized recasts of the 2012 raw ESB Hero helmet which we recognize as any made by someone other than MachineCraft Replicas, minutefett, RS Prop Masters or WastedFett.
• Unauthorized recasts of the Legacy RotJ Boba Fett bust being used to make Death Watch helmets.
• Unauthorized recasts of the Anovos and/or EFX The Mandalorian helmet.

We do not routinely investigate claims into the unauthorized recasting of props unrelated to Boba Fett and other mandalorian characters.  However, if the unauthorized recasting of other props is so obvious and egregious, we do reserve the right to take action(s) against the recaster and/or pass the claim and/or information on to other forums, groups, etc. that specialize in that specific character/prop.

The means of recasting includes, but is not limited to:

• Molding and Casting
• 3D Scanning
• 3D File Distribution
• 3D Printing

• Example #1: Going out of Business
  • In 2010 Company “A” obtains rights to make a replica Boba Fett helmet.
  • In 2012 Company “A” releases replica Boba Fett helmet for sale. It is considered against the Community Guidelines to recast the replica Boba Fett helmet.  This is unauthorized recasting.
  • In 2014 Company “A” goes out of business. It is now considered fair game to recast the replica Boba Fett helmet.

• Example #2: Licensed, but Sold Out
  • In 2012 Company “A” obtains rights to make a replica Boba Fett helmet.
  • In 2019 Company “A” releases replica Boba Fett helmet for sale. It is considered against the Community Guidelines to recast the replica Boba Fett helmet.  This is unauthorized recasting.
  • In 2020 Company “A” is still in business, but sold out of their replica Boba Fett helmet. It is still considered against Community Guidelines to recast this replica Boba Fett helmet.

• Example #3: Active License Bust Helmet Recast (Death Watch)
  
  • In 2018 Company “A” obtains rights to make a replica RotJ Boba Fett bust.
  • In 2019 Company “A” releases replica RotJ Boba Fett bust for sale.
  • In 2019, the helmet that comes with the bust is used to create Death Watch helmets in The Mandalorian tv show.  It is considered against the Community Guidelines to recast the actively licensed and actively selling, RotJ Boba Fett bust helmet to create the Death Watch helmet used in The Mandalorian tv show.  This is unauthorized recasting.

• Example #4: 3D Scanning/Printing
  • Company “A” obtains rights to make a replica Boba Fett helmet.
  • Company “A” releases replica Boba Fett helmet for sale. Member “Z” 3d scans the replica Boba Fett helmet and sells the files.  It is considered against the Community Guidelines to scan and distribute 3d files of the replica Boba Fett helmet.  This is a form unauthorized recasting.

• Example #5: Modifications to Another Maker’s Work and then Recasting
  • Member “A” obtains helmet made by another maker.
  • Member “A” modifies the helmet (regardless of degree) and then molds it and produces castings. This is unauthorized recasting.

• Example #6: Modifications to Another Maker’s Work and then Recasting
  • Member “A” obtains helmet made by another maker.
  • Member “A” 3d scans the helmet and then modifies the helmet (regardless of degree) and 3d prints it. This is unauthorized recasting.

Investigation into Claim of Unauthorized Recasting

If a claim is made that a BFB member has recast a prop and/or modified a prop and then recast it, an investigation will be initiated, and interviews conducted. 

Punishment for Unauthorized Recasting

In the event that the individual is found guilty of making an unauthorized recasting, they will be promptly banned from bobafettbuilders.com regardless of who they are. 

Sharing Case Findings with Membership

Once a claim is found to be proven beyond the shadow of a doubt and actions are taken against a member of BFB, the findings and decision-making process will be shared with the membership of BFB for transparency.