The additive manufacturing revolution and the corresponding legal landscape
Robert W. Esmond, Graham C. Phero · Virtual and Physical Prototyping · 2014
Additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing is rapidly becoming a viable production method, advancing from its origins as a ‘rapid-prototyping’ technology. However, advances in 3D printing technology indicate that 3D printing machines will proliferate in corporate manufacturing and the homes of consumers. Moreover, the advent of bioprinting could potentially transform regenerative medicine.3D printing presents unique challenges to the owners of intellectual property rights. Rather than purchasing objects through a company or manufacturer, an entity or individual may simply download blueprints to print product components. An infringer may well be the consumer with no clear third party to hold responsible for inducing the infringement. Such infringement, if widespread and unchecked, may undermine investment in research and development, in turn leading to innovative stagnation.This article presents the quandary accompanying the additive manufacturing revolution, the corresponding legal developments in its wake, and various approaches to protect innovation in today's changing landscape.