Our Practice Note on 3D printing published by Practical Law here: https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/Document/I3466c5d71a1711e798dc8b09b4f043e0/View/FullText.html?transitionType=SearchItem&contextData=(sc.Search)&firstPage=true&bhcp=1 provides an overview of the 3D printing industry and highlights the challenges for intellectual property (IP) rights-holders when seeking to enforce their rights if they are infringed by 3D printing processes and resulting products. The note also considers options for rights-holders faced with unauthorised online sharing of computer-aided design (CAD) files. Finally, there is a short overview of product liability issues.
As 3D printing technology becomes more advanced, the popularity of home production as an alternative to home delivery is likely to rise, making it important for both businesses and consumers to understand the legal implications of the technology. It is still too early to say whether sectoral legislation for 3D-printed products will be needed but it is clear that businesses will need to anticipate developments and act proactively, rather than waiting for the law to catch up to a fast-moving area.
Authors
Andrew Moir
Partner, Intellectual Property and Global Head of Cyber & Data Security, London
Key contacts
Andrew Moir
Partner, Intellectual Property and Global Head of Cyber & Data Security, London
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