You all may recall, back on Valentine’s Day we published an article announcing an interesting partnership between, 3D Systems, the worlds leading 3D printer manufacturer, and Hasbro Inc., one of the largest toy 
manufacturers in the world. The two companies stated at the time, that they were forming this partnership in order to “co-develop and commercialize innovative play printers and platforms.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hasbro, a premier, global, branded play company, to jointly define, shape and lead the entire digital play space, powered by 3D printing,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems, a few months back.
Since that time, we haven’t heard a peep from either company regarding their plans to bring this incredible technology into the realm of the toy and game markets. That’s until a recent trademark application was revealed on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, which has been filed for by Hasbro Inc.
The application was filed for on May 9th, and is for the “ALLSPARK” name. The following are the details provided by Paul N. Vanasse, Global Director of IP and Enforcement for Hasbro Inc., describing the uses for the name:
“Computer software for creating, designing, modifying, customizing, sharing and saving computer generated representations capable of being printed by a three
dimensional printer to create physical objects, namely, jewelry, ornaments, arts objects, artifacts, household goods, toys, games, hobby models, accessories, office products, and various other consumer products.”
“Custom prototype fabrication via three dimensional printing for others of new parts, components and models for others, namely, jewelry, ornaments, arts objects, artifacts, household goods, toys, games, hobby models, accessories, office products, and various other consumer products.”
“Providing a website featuring technology that enables users to download, modify, and share three-dimensional designs on the internet for use with computer driven machines for making three-dimensional embodiments of the designs; providing online computer games and interactive multiplayer online games via global networks”
Clearly, as you can read above, the ALLSPARK trademark will be used for a broad range of possible 3D printing applications. It appears that ALLSPARK will be a software which Hasbro will distribute, enabling customers to design, share, and 3D print their creations. The exact plans of Hasbro and 3D Systems are unknown, but if the description of the trademark hints to anything, it’s that we may be in for quite an interesting new way for children to learn, play, and create.
It will be interesting to see what 3D Systems’ role in all of this will be, and if they will manufacture a new line of 3D printers for this partnership, or rely on their existing Cubify Cube framework. Discuss with others, your thoughts on this story at the Hasbro ALLSPARK forum thread on 3DPB.com
(Source: USPTO)
