Overview of 3D Printing & Intellectual Property Law

Citation
Overview of 3D Printing & Intellectual Property Law (MARKT 2014/083/D Legal review on industrial design protection in Europe) (Annex 3) (Sept. 30, 2016)(full-text).

Overview
The purpose of this assessment is to provide the European Commission with an analytical view of the legal (intellectual property) issues surrounding 3-D printing as part of the legal review on industrial design protection in Europe. 3-D printing technology is likely to disrupt the production and distribution of a number of goods in certain industries, while at the same time creating unseen potential for innovation and consumer involvement. Whether disruptive or not, the intellectual property rights, if applicable, concerning the production and use of existing and new products will very likely be affected.