NOTE: The Extended Creator Reports show unauthorized copies of mesh and animation assets within the Catalog; this tool does not detect texture similarities.
How does it work?
The tool uses an algorithm that attempts to detect similarities between your 3D product submissions and other 3D product submissions within the IMVU catalog. Due to the complex nature of 3D products and myriad reasons why products may have asset similarities, IMVU does not take automatic action on products or Creators when these similarities are detected. We cannot assume -- and neither should you -- that detection of similarity indicates unauthorized copying of your work.
You can find more details and all the steps involved in the process here: https://secure.imvu.com/merchant/.
How to Access Extended Creator Reports
You must be signed up for 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) to see if a new product has meshes very similar to a product you have submitted in the past. 2FA will give you automatic access to reports showing products similar to yours here.
If you have NOT signed up for 2FA see instructions here.
If you do not want to sign up for 2FA see instructions below on how to receive a verification code for Extended Creator Report Access.
- Visit our Enter Contact Details Page to enter your account name, and postal address after you agree to the new terms and conditions (that allow us to send you your verification code via postal service).
- Check your mailbox for a printed verification code. Delivery will take between one and eight weeks, depending on your location.
- Enter your code in our Enter Confirmation Code Page to confirm that you would like to receive such notifications going forward.
How to Use Extended Creator Reports
Once you have access to the Extended Creator Reports (via 2FA or a verification code), you can retrieve reports on possible mesh and animation duplicates on our View Reports Page. You will find newly submitted products that are similar to yours (mesh and animation asset similarities only). The report is a downloadable .csv file.
Please note that the report will only include products that have been recently submitted and/or new products that are submitted after you join this program. The report does NOT include any correctly derived products including “zero change” derivations (products derived from your product that do not have any asset changes).
What To Do If a Similar Product is Detected
You have two options: You can choose to do nothing (if you know the detection is an authorized use of your assets, for example), or you can review the product(s) in question to determine if it is potentially an infringement of your copyright. If you determine it is an infringement on your copyright you may follow the DMCA process. Please note that the product in question may be hidden; however, you may still proceed with the DMCA process.