3D Printing and IPR

3D Printing and IPR

3D printing is a breakthrough concept, but it is not a modern invention by any stretch, since it was first developed in the 1990s. Technology is rapidly becoming more affordable and available. It is a boon to some that the historic licencing barriers have been removed, but the expansion of the same has resulted in a slew of new intellectual property problems.

The method of creating threedimensional concrete structures from a digital file is known as 3D printing or addictive manufacturing. Unlike traditional techniques, 3D printing objects are made using an addictive mechanism in which an object is created by laying down successive layers of material before the object is created. One of the significant rewards of 3D printing is the ability to produce very complex contours or geometries.

Since the late seventies Companies have used the technology 3D printers in their design process to create prototypes. The use of 3D printers for this purpose is called rapid prototyping.

The utilisation of this notnew technological idea by firms saved their bacon and reduced the time and resources spent on prototyping, as the prototype would be in one’s possession in a matter of days rather than weeks after using it.

This invention, like a coin, has two sides. It is not a boon to IP, but rather a hindrance, as 3D printing has made it possible to copy or replicate previously copyrighted products, making legal proceedings against infringers more difficult. The patent related issue is somewhat replicate the copyright issue which arise in the past and still persist because of the new technology where one can send and share books, software, music and films. Anyone can print a copyrighted book downloaded from the internet, and anyone can use a 3D printer to replicate a proprietary product without the patent holder’s permission. Since prior permission from the patent holder is no longer required to replicate the copyrighted object, the individual reproducing it becomes an infringer, but it is difficult to identify or prove the infringer.

3D printing is a breakthrough concept, but it is not a modern invention by any stretch, since it was first developed in the 1990s.

As an example, suppose a hobbyist creates a CAD file of a copyrighted object without the consent of the patent holder and uploads it to the internet, where other users can quickly copy and print their own copies. To successfully impose patent rights, one must show that either the person who created the CAD software, the person who used the file to produce the same copyrighted product, or both was legitimately liable for actual or indirect infringement.

However, in 3D printing, the manufacturing process is decentralized, which ensures that the manufacturer is usually the end user, who merely downloads a file and uses a 3D printer to produce the piece. To put it another way, the patented item is never sold. As a result, proving infringement is difficult due to this technicality.

It can be difficult to navigate 3D printing problems under the new patent scheme. Few intriguing trials are sure to hit the courts soon, and we’ll have to wait to see how they turn out! However, for the time being, one can defend their precious proprietary inventions by devising a solid infringement plan.

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