*This article was created using voice input with AI (Aqua Voice) for text conversion. Please note there may be some inconsistencies.
Thinking About VN3 Licenses Through Shinano-chan
Hello. I’m Hiro from the Full Body Tracking Lab.
When you buy a VRChat avatar, the first thing you should read is the license.
But honestly, licenses are hard to read. Legal-sounding text lined up, leaving you wondering “what am I actually allowed to do?”
This time, I’ll explain every section of the VN3 License for the popular avatar “Shinano” (created by Pondero) in plain language.
BOOTH product page: https://booth.pm/ja/items/6106863
What Is a VN3 License?
VN3 License is a standardized format for defining usage terms for VRChat 3D avatars. Creators use the VN3 generator to set conditions, and a PDF is automatically generated.
Basic Clauses (Articles 1-8): Universal Rules
These eight basic clauses apply to all avatars using VN3 License, not just Shinano.
Key points:
- Article 2: You receive a license to use, NOT ownership transfer
- Article 3: Uses not specified in individual conditions are prohibited by default
- Article 4: Prohibited universally: damaging creator’s reputation, violating public order, use by criminal organizations
- Article 6: License violations terminate your rights immediately
Individual Conditions Summary
- A. Personal use: OK
- B. Corporate use: OK (report to creator on X appreciated but not required)
- C. Social platforms (VRChat, cluster, etc.): OK
- D. Online games: OK
- E. Sub-licensing to third parties: NO
- F. Sexual content: OK (age-gating required)
- G. Violent content: OK (age-gating required)
- H. Political/religious use: NO
- I. Parameter adjustments: OK
- J. Modifications: OK
- K. Using parts for other model modifications: OK
- L. Outsourcing modifications: OK between users
- M. Redistributing unmodified data: NO
- N. Redistributing modified data: NO
- O. Video/streaming/broadcast: OK
- P. Publications: OK
- Q. Merchandise: OK
- R. Software integration: ASK (contact creator first)
- S. Mesh-based clothing creation: OK (commercial and non-commercial)
- T. Standard-compliant clothing: OK (commercial and non-commercial)
- U. Fan works: OK (commercial and non-commercial)
- V. Credit notation: Not required (appreciated)
- W. Rights transfer: NO
- X. Special notes: Commercial use reports to creator’s X appreciated
User-Type Summary
Individual users: Use freely, modify freely. Just don’t redistribute data.
Streamers/VTubers: Stream freely. Credit appreciated.
Corporate VTubers: Corporate use OK — rare and generous.
Clothing creators: Create and sell freely, both mesh-based and standard-compliant.
Fan artists: Everything OK including commercial fan works.
Game developers: Must contact creator before software integration.
Key Restrictions to Remember
- No data redistribution (modified or unmodified)
- Software integration requires permission
- No political/religious use
- No rights transfer
Understand the license, respect the creator. That’s what supports VRChat’s avatar culture.
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