intellectual property
InfraTrac Successfully Applies Anti-Counterfeit Technology to 3D Printed Metal Parts
One of the most nagging concerns that plagues the 3D printing industry is that of intellectual property protection. Not only have there been plenty of issues surrounding the theft of…
D3CRYPT3D Software Aims to Provide Security For 3D Assets and Intellectual Property
One of the biggest hinderances lingering throughout the 3D printing community is the lack of security for intellectual property of 3D models. The glaring issue has plagued users of 3D…
EnvisionTEC Patent Suit Against Formlabs: An IP Perspective
Written by John Hornick and Rob Wells As established companies seek to protect their market share against mounting competition from an increasing number of new 3D printing companies, the battlefield for dominance…
“Cheerleader Uniform Case” Prompts Shapeways and Other Organizations to Demand Supreme Court Clarify Intellectual Property Law
Full disclosure: intellectual property and copyright issues are not my favorite subjects. The whole area is messy, murky, confusing, and often seemingly arbitrary, and that’s before you even open up…
The Supreme Court Writes a New Chapter on Patent Damages — Making an Award of Attorneys’ Fees and Multiple Damages Easier to Obtain and Once Again Changing the Patent Landscape
This article will review the recent history concerning patent litigation, patent damages, and recent changes effectuated by Congress and the Supreme Court. First, a little history. Once upon a time there…
The New Federal Trade Secrets Act – Another Way to Protect Additive Manufacturing
For the first time ever, Congress has passed a law that makes the misappropriation of trade secrets subject to a federal civil claim. On May 11, 2016, President Obama signed…
3D Scans Can’t be Copyrighted – Shapeways Publishes New Whitepaper on 3D Scanning and Copyright Laws
There is no question that as 3D scanning and 3D printing technology improves in both quality and speed, the future of copyright and IP law is going to get really…
3D Printing Will Rock Paris — A Few Questions For: John Hornick
In every industry are individuals who effectively need no introduction; among those names in 3D printing is John Hornick. An intellectual property lawyer and prolific speaker, as well as now…
MakerBot Updates Terms of Use to Cover New Thingiverse Developer Portal
A few weeks ago, Thingiverse reached out to developers with their new Thingiverse Developer Portal. Along with a series of new apps, the portal provides even more opportunities for interaction with a site…
Intellectual Property is a Hot Topic at Second Annual Benesch 3D Printing Conference
I spent my day yesterday sitting in the main ballroom at Cleveland’s Ritz Carlton hotel with a few hundred attorneys, business leaders, and academics from across Northeast Ohio to discuss…
Global Law Firm Hunton & Williams Launches New Team Dedicated to Dealing with 3D Printing Legal Issues
Back in college I had a business teacher use a truism that has always seemed to prove itself to be pretty accurate. He said that you know a new industry…
3D Printing: The News We Didn’t Cover This Week — April 9
This week’s news covers 3D printed prostheses and e-bike parts, an additive manufacturing business partnership, and two stories with 3D Systems at the center. The first is about the SLAbot-2 from 3D Systems,…
Data Security in 3D Printing and Other Challenges for CIOs
Most people have had a nightmare at some point; a scene that places them in a public location having somehow forgotten to get dressed or struggling to make their way…
Protecting 3D Printed Designs – Can Trade Dress Rights Fill the Void?
Imagine you’ve designed a new product with 3D printing. Thinking of ways to protect it can be a daunting challenge. Hopefully, you’ll consider some basic agreements with any third parties…
Shapeways on US Dept. of Commerce Report: Beware Remixes & Copyright Infringements—They Can Cost You Six Figures
There’s no better part of a beginning than that of a fledgling industry populated by passionate individuals all enjoying themselves and getting along, working for the common good—for about a…
Can the Sound of a 3D Printer Be a Security Threat? Researchers at the University of California Think So
Most people I know have been victims of a computer virus at one time or another. I certainly have, more than once, and it’s always incredibly stressful. Not only have…
Anti-Counterfeiting Measures Have a Lot to Offer in 3D Printing — A Few Questions For: InfraTrac
Counterfeiting is, put simply, a big deal. While 3D printing in particular is still somewhat of a Wild West when it comes to clear definitions of what is and is…
When eBay Sellers Try to Defend Their Illegal Sale of 3D Models from Thingiverse, Comedy Ensues
[Editor’s Update: Legal experts and the industry at large are certainly taking notice of this hullabaloo and weighing in — and we can’t say it looks good for the guys at just3dprint….
3D Printing Brings New Opportunities and New Challenges to the Oil & Gas Industry
As with most modern businesses, the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry has begun adopting 3D printing technology into its regular workflow in several key areas. It has proven itself to…
How Exactly Will 3D Printing Combat Counterfeiting Additive Manufactured Products?
The specter of counterfeit products is always a concern for any company that relies on other facilities to actually manufacture and assemble their products. From fake Rolex watches to fake…
Accidental Infringement: A Cautionary Tale of 3D Design & Intellectual Property
It’s not the first time this year a dress has caused controversy (and with Kim Kardashian probably on her way out of maternity wear, probably safe to say it won’t be…
Memjet v. HP: 3D Printing to Be Excused from the Courtroom?
The perception from some corners of the world regarding 3D printing might be that not too long ago everyone was communing in a rather unspoiled and lawless state of sharing…
Exclusive Interview: Legal Expert Marcus J. Thymian Examines Implications of Intellectual Property & Patent Law in 3D Printing
Intellectual property is, obviously, a hot issue in today’s world. With patents having been around for centuries–George Washington signed the first US patent back in 1790, for Samuel Hopkins’ method…
3D Printing’s Real Money
A few weeks ago, I spoke at the National Retail Federation’s Shop.org Digital Summit on the topic of 3D printing at retail. I really hope I made the case for…
