Technology Leads, Policy Follows—But Not for Long

“Technology always comes before policy,” Cory Doctorow wrote for Warren Ellis’s Statements. It’s a powerful reminder: innovation races ahead, while regulation scrambles to catch up.

We’re seeing this play out in real time. AI is still in its infancy, and governments are only beginning to wrestle with the policies that must follow. Meanwhile, forward-thinking companies are planting their flags—demanding protections for privacy, security, intellectual property (IP), and personally identifiable information (PII).

But what about the apparel industry?

Apparel’s IP Is More Than Just a Sketch

In fashion tech, IP isn’t just a logo or a techpack. It’s the pattern. The avatar. The prop, the stage, the environment, the photography. It’s the 3D assets we build and the third-party tools we rely on. Every component—whether made in CLO3D, DAZ, or Blender—carries legal weight. And it’s time brands and providers start treating these assets with the respect they deserve.

Avatars Aren’t Toys—They’re Protected IP

Take Alvanon and Apotheosis avatars. These aren’t generic mannequins—they’re precision-engineered, vetted, and licensed for specific use cases. Leaking these tools are like sharing a pattern or techpack with all other brands.

Alvanon or Humanetics assigns tools based on platform to ensure consistent fit. Their avatars are copyrighted and not meant for experimentation or export into unauthorized systems. Misuse isn’t just a technical error/ or having fun—it’s a deliberate legal liability.
Apotheosis avatars are built from real people and fit models. That means they’re tied to PII and HIPAA protections. Mishandling these assets—especially in AI workflows—can trigger serious compliance violations and financial penalties. Not just from the avatar provider but the person themselves.
Links to violations fee: Fines for Copyright Infringement: Key Legal Concerns
PII Violations: 26 U.S. Code § 7213 - Unauthorized disclosure of information | U.S. Code | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
And yet, many 3D program companies still haven’t grasped the urgency. The future of these tools demands secure file encryption, audit trails, and adherence to standards like IEEE P3141 Body Processing.

The future of a person’s identity is dependent on the country of the user. From the neighborhood tailor that has a small shop and cannot pay the price for enterprise licenses can’t use a body scan of a client that maybe altering their mothers wedding dress to wear at their own wedding. Mainly the risk of a body scan of the person can be compromised in the systems.

Another example could be avatar company runs the risk of copyright infringement in 3d programs when the tools allow multiple different avatars to be transported into the same environments. Users importing in a morph adjustable avatar to copy the body. Or using a avatar converter. Even this can be a huge violation of security in PII channels.

Beyond Avatars: Textiles, Skins, and Third-Party Risks

IP risk doesn’t stop at avatars. Artwork used for textiles, skins created in DAZ, and other third-party assets are just as vulnerable. Without clear permissions and encryption, these files can be misused, duplicated, or exported in ways that violate contracts and copyrights.

Heads of Design: Lead with Ethics, Contracts, and Standards

Design leaders must set the tone. That means:

Reading and enforcing contracts
Staying current on compliance standards
Building secure workflows with third-party providers
Promoting ethical behavior across teams

This isn’t just about protecting assets—it’s about protecting your brand, your partners, and your future. Design Cycle Solutions can help support your teams and deliver materials to train employees on the needs of the future and security.

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