Keywords
3D printing and intellectual property
Abstract
Put simply, 3D printing allows people to print physical objects that are scanned, downloaded, or created digitally. There are an astonishing number of uses, benefits, and advantages associated with 3D printing. However, as with any new technology with so much potential, 3D printing presents a number of threats and challenges to many who benefit from the way manufacturing currently operates. While 3D printers will likely have a tremendous economic and socio- cultural impact, the following will provide an overview of some of its implications relating to intellectual property law. I will begin by briefly discussing the history of 3D printing and explain how it works. Next, I describe how and why 3D printing could drastically change the world we live in by outlining its advantages over previous manufacturing methods, listing some of its possible uses, and exploring the economic impact it might have.
The next section of this article will focus on 3D printing’s relationship with intellectual property law. This new technology is of particular interest because it encompasses copyright, patent, trademark, and industrial design laws. I will generally discuss some of the challenges 3D printing presents in each of those areas, outline how the current regime might deal with those challenges, and provide some suggestions. There are a number of approaches that could be taken with regards to 3D printing. Some might involve tightening intellectual property law in order to protect rights-holders, while other approaches could focus on loosening the current regime in order to foster innovation and allow 3D printing to develop to its full potential. I will ultimately suggest that rushing new legislation or altering current legislation could have unintended consequences.
Recommended Citation
Michael Rimock, "An Introduction to the Intellectual Property Law Implications of 3D Printing" (2015) 13:1 CJLT.
Included in
Computer Law Commons, Intellectual Property Law Commons, Internet Law Commons, Privacy Law Commons, Science and Technology Law Commons