Licensing
This document outlines the licensing framework for character designs and visual artworks derived from the Lem the Shapeshifter - Visual Protocol.
By utilizing the visual traits and configuration rules defined in the Lem Protocol, creators produce “Derivative Characters.” This document clarifies the ownership, licensing, and usage rights associated with these independent creations.
1. Definition of Derivative Characters
A “Derivative Character” is defined as any visual design, illustration, or model that intentionally incorporates the Immutable Visual Identity Traits of Lem (e.g., specific orange hair color, heart-shaped chest patch, tail configuration) or adheres to the Clothing Preferences outlined in the Visual Protocol.
2. Independent Ownership & Paywalling
The Lem Protocol operates on a decentralized model of creation.
- Your Work is Yours: Any specific character design, outfit, illustration, or model you create using the Lem framework functions as its own independent project.
- Copyright: You retain full copyright and moral rights over your specific implementation (the “instantiation”) of the character.
- Licensing Freedom: You are free to release your derivative assets under any license of your choosing. You may:
- Place your assets behind a paywall.
- Charge royalties for the use of your specific files.
- Use “All Rights Reserved” to prevent others from redistributing your specific files or artwork.
3. Asset Ownership vs. Design Recreation
While you own the specific files and artistic assets you create, you do not own the concept of that design to the exclusion of others.
- Protected Assets: No one may take your specific drawing, 3D model geometry, or texture files and use them without your permission (subject to your chosen license).
- Open Designs: Because all Lem designs are derived from the shared Protocol, any design configuration you create can be recreated by others.
- Example: If Creator A designs “Lem in a Red Velvet Suit,” Creator A can paywall that specific drawing. However, Creator B is allowed to draw their own version of “Lem in a Red Velvet Suit.”
- As long as Creator B creates their work from scratch (without using Creator A’s specific assets), Creator B is free to license, sell, or distribute their new version however they wish.
4. Commercial Use
The Lem Protocol permits unrestricted commercial use of derivative characters.
- You may sell illustrations, models, merchandise, or other assets featuring your derivative Lem designs.
- You are not required to pay royalties or fees to the original creator of the Lem Protocol.
- Restriction: You may not use these designs in projects involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or cryptocurrency. To find out why, check here for Lem Terms of Service.
5. Attribution
When publishing or distributing a Derivative Character:
- You must acknowledge that the character is based on the Lem Protocol.
- You are not required to credit the original creator by name, but you must accurately identify the character as “Lem” or a “Lem Derivative.”
- You may not attribute the creation of the underlying protocol to yourself or a third party.
6. Stability and Compliance
To remain a valid implementation of the protocol, designs should respect the sensory parameters (Clothing Preferences) and visual markers (Immutable Traits). Designs that fundamentally deviate from these core rules may effectively cease to be “Lem” and become entirely original characters, at which point this licensing framework no longer applies.