{"id":4023,"date":"2014-03-16T13:24:43","date_gmt":"2014-03-16T13:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/get3dsmart.com\/Stagingsite\/\/\/?p=4023"},"modified":"2017-07-11T13:33:06","modified_gmt":"2017-07-11T13:33:06","slug":"3d-retail-license-engage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/get3dsmart.com\/Stagingsite\/2014\/03\/16\/3d-retail-license-engage\/","title":{"rendered":"3D at Retail: A License to Engage"},"content":{"rendered":"

You got a license for that thing? That phrase could soon take on a new meaning. Instead of referring to certain types of things, it may apply to nearly every…thing. The state of licensing in 3D printing today is in equal parts <\/span>wild west<\/b> and <\/span>gold rush<\/b>. But, managed correctly, 3D print licensing could create an opportunity to instigate another tipping point for the industry. <\/span><\/p>\n

Licensors include the studios, artists, teams, athletes and all the other properties seeking brand affiliation. In exchange for their license, they increase the value of their brand and (most of the time, anyway) get compensated for its use. It\u2019s nothing new, movies have partnered with fast food brands for decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suppliers like Lego have also been active in licensing. The combination of great product and properties like the Star Wars brand have been huge for Lego. Could 3D printing offer even more?<\/span><\/p>\n

The 3D Printing Revolution Might be Lego\u2019s Biggest Test Ever<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re crowdsourcing, having access to a large group of raving fans and having at some work sizable outlet for distribution are two effective ways of motivating designers. After all, what designer wouldn\u2019t want to create products around Star Wars, The Simpsons, or Game of Thrones? Licensing gives them an approved way to do it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond that, licensing can lead to better product. My good friend Ty Simpson (no relation to \u201cThe Simpsons\u201d) was recently <\/span>interviewed<\/span><\/a> by Forbes, and asked about his experience in crowdsourcing design. He said, \u201cI think [crowdsourcing] has opened a lot of eyes that what fans come up with is very effective.\u201d He added, \u201cThere\u2019s no way a group of creative people will come out with something better than a true fan who really understands the brand.\u201d Smart.<\/span><\/p>\n

The combination of licensing, a digital environment, and crowdsourcing can create a lot of quality content. Given the media frenzy around 3D printing, and the sales of 3D printers, capacity is spiking. As Bill Gates once <\/span>said<\/span><\/a>, \u201cthe more users it [an ecosystem] gets, the more content it gets, and the more content it gets, the more users it gets.\u201d Worldwide demand is building. The more content 3D printing gets, the more users it gets…and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

<rant> On a side note, in conversation about 3D printing, someone will almost always mention customization. Here\u2019s my problem. While the idea of personalizing something sounds good, the user experience can be a bit clunky, painful even. That\u2019s because there are always a few key decisions to be made:<\/span><\/p>\n