Winds of Change: Conceptualising copyright law in a world of 3D models and 3D design files-a perspective from the UK

This chapter explores the challenges to intellectual property (IP) laws, particularly copyright law, as a result of 3D printing. This analysis is carried out from the perspective of the United Kingdom (UK) as well as European Union (EU) laws as relevant. As a starting point, the chapter provides an account of the protection of 3D models and in doing so, draws a line through history to charter the developments of artistic works.

The Future of Printcrime: Intellectual Property, Innovation Law and 3D Printing

The chapter brings together comparative elements of the challenges for 3D printing from the perspective of IP Laws in UK/EU, USA and Australia.

In Pursuit of Clarity: The Conundrum of CAD and Copyright – Seeking Direction Through Case Law – European Intellectual Property Review

Through the application of selected statutes and case law drawn from the United Kingdom (UK), this paper will explore the copyright status of three-dimensional design files and will particularly question whether they can be protected as literary and / or artistic works. In responding to this question, the paper highlighting gaps and challenges inherent in the law and adopts a ‘coherentist’ and ‘regulatory instrumentalist’ analysis in responding to the challenges and providing recommendations for the future.

The Co-Existence of Copyright and Patent Laws to Protect Innovation: A Case Study of 3D Printing in UK and Australian Law

The chapter considers how effectively and harmoniously intellectual property (IP) regimes, in particular copyright and patent, respond to emerging technologies and innovation, such as 3D printing and 3D scanning. The chapter will commence with a brief introduction to 3D printing before moving on to a detailed analysis of UK and Australian jurisprudence as it relates to 3D printing and 3D scanning.

A Legal and Empirical Study of 3D Printing Online Platforms and an Analysis of User Behaviour

Study I - which is the first of a two-part Study, considers the implications for intellectual property law, particularly copyright law, as a result of online sharing platforms dedicated to 3D printing. As such, this Study applies a legal and empirical analysis, to provide a clearer understanding of ‘how’ the sharing happens to provide an understanding of the ‘parameters’ for sharing, e.g. terms and conditions, rules, regulations that apply, together with restrictions and bounds that apply to user behaviour and file-sharing.

A Legal and Empirical Study into the Intellectual Property Implications of 3D Printing. Executive summary

The Executive Summary reports the purpose, scope, methodology and key findings from two complementary studies on the intellectual property implications of 3D printing. The two Studies provide for an overarching empirical and legal analysis into the current position of 3D printing.