Download This Paper3D Printing and the Law: Are CAD Files Copyright-protected?
(2015) 28:1 Intellectual Property Journal
36 Pages Posted: 16 Jun 2020
Date Written: April 25, 2015
Abstract
3D printing has emerged as one of the most significantly disruptive technologies in the digital economy. The process of 3D printing involves the preparation of a computer-assisted digital (CAD) file, which may be derived from pictures or drawings, scanned from goods using a 3D scanner, or downloaded from websites. Such a file can easily be distributed, copied, modified and then " printed" by a printer device, using fine strands of molten plastic, ceramic, or even metal powder. This makes it possible to easily turn digital bits into physical objects. The technology's potential as a game changer, in this respect, presents challenging legal questions, which need to be addressed before the technology becomes more commonplace. This article focuses on issues that arise in copyright law in relation to the CAD files used by the printers. It is unclear whether copyright protection may exist over these design files, and if so, under what circumstances. Thus, this article examines subsistence of copyright over CAD files to be used in 3D printing: whether copyright exists and applies to the work.
Keywords: 3d Printing, CAD files, copyrights, subsistence, originality
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