Where can I get the .stl file from?
That wasn't a good question.
If you know what a .stl is, you know this intellectual property is not going anywhere.
For everyone who doesn't know what a .stl file is.... it is a 3D data file that allows mass production runs of a product to be manufactured. Now, Bulleteers, you know what this request was about.
Fortunately, I live about five miles from the US Copyright office.
This thread on the classic motorworks forum documents every step of the designers' work to create their property. Bottom line, every step has been time stamped and ownership irrefutably established. That's a very solid legal way to establish ownership. Beyond government protected property rights there is the civil issue of denial of economic advantage. This protected right can be litigated in a civil case.
ACE has given a lot of free expert advice on the forum. That's the way he is. This product's creation, manufacture and distribution has been and remains a team effort. Lots of expertise, experimentation, time and financial investment went into it. The team involved has a right to be compensated for its market value. I feel that the idea of giving it away for nothing, like it was something worthless, is less than appropriate.
Regards,
Bill G