The 3D Printing Revolution: An Intellectual Property Analysis

70 Pages Posted: 14 Sep 2014 Last revised: 12 Apr 2017

See all articles by Pedro Malaquias

Pedro Malaquias

Joint Research Center of the European Commission

Date Written: August 8, 2014

Abstract

3D printing is a disrupting technology that allows the production of physical objects from digital files. The increasing widespread use of consumer 3D Printing technologies and services is prone to raise questions in relation to the intellectual property protection of digital files and material products. This paper surveys the existing UK Intellectual Property framework to assess if it allows for the continuous development of the technology, while protecting the legitimate interests of right holders. It concludes for the need for slight clarifications to the law and recommending that right holders adapt their business models and search for innovative ways to benefit from the technology.

[Updated, shortened and improved version published, 'Consumer 3D Printing: Is the UK Copyright and Design Law framework fit for purpose?' Queen Mary Journal of Intellectual Property, Queen Mary Journal of Intellectual Property - Volume: 6 Issue: 3 (Jul 2016), 321—340, Edward Elgar Publishing]

Keywords: 3D Printing, additive manufacturing, intellectual property, copyright, trade mark, patent, design

JEL Classification: K00, K30, K39, O34

Suggested Citation

Malaquias, Pedro, The 3D Printing Revolution: An Intellectual Property Analysis (August 8, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2495416 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2495416

Pedro Malaquias (Contact Author)

Joint Research Center of the European Commission ( email )

Via E. Fermi 2749
Brussels, B-1049
Belgium

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