Save Left Shark: Katy Perry, Intellectual Property, and 3D Printing

Abstract

There has been much interest in how intellectual property law, policy and practice will adapt to the emergence of 3D printing and the maker movement. Intellectual property lawyers will have to grapple with the impact of additive manufacturing upon a variety of forms of intellectual property — including copyright law, trade mark law, designs law, patent law and trade secrets. The disruptive technology of 3D printing will both pose opportunities and challenges for legal practitioners and policy makers. A performance by pop princess Katy Perry at the 2015 Super Bowl has sparked a public controversy over intellectual property, internet memes and 3D printing.

Keywords: Copyright Law, Trademark Law, 3D Printing, Maker Movement, Remix Culture, Katy Perry

JEL Classification: K20