3D Printing And The Future Of Complex Legal Challenges: The Next Great Disruptive Technology Opportunity Or Threat?

10 Pages Posted: 20 Jan 2016

See all articles by Thomas Dubuisson

Thomas Dubuisson

George Washington University - Law School

Date Written: October 23, 2014

Abstract

The advent of 3D printing brought with it a variety of legal challenges, including intellectual property concerns. In 2014, the 3D printing technology is not futuristic sci-fi anymore. Goldman Sachs included 3D printing in a list of seven technologies that are reshaping the way we live and are reinventing, the notion of what’s possible.

There is not a day anymore when you don’t hear about this technology. Examples are legion, such as: Philips announced a collection of new 3D-printed lamp line; NASA customized spacecraft and instrument parts using 3D printing, New Balance is introducing a track-specific running shoe that uses 3-D printing to create a plate on the sole of the shoe that is supposed to enhance performance with every step, Microsoft is extending its 3D modeling and printing application to the cloud, allowing users to create and print 3D objects, Nike 3D printed “concept cleat” for shuttle drill using SLS plate construction, etc.

This article has two objectives. First, we quickly present how 3D printing works. Second, we discuss how 3D printing is raising new legal issues as it brings sophisticated manufacturing capabilities into the homes and offices of millions around the world and will become the next industrial revolution.

Keywords: 3D printing, printing, intellectual property, additive manufacturing, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, digital technology

Suggested Citation

Dubuisson, Thomas, 3D Printing And The Future Of Complex Legal Challenges: The Next Great Disruptive Technology Opportunity Or Threat? (October 23, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2718113 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2718113

Thomas Dubuisson (Contact Author)

George Washington University - Law School ( email )

2000 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20052
United States

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