This chapter begins with an analysis of the protection of 3D models as artistic works. In doing so, the chapter draws a line through history, taking the reader on a journey from the Engravings Copyright Act 1735 to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Thereafter the chapter moves to a consideration of another component of the 3D printing process – the CAD design file, which acts as a ‘vessel’ to encapsulate a 3D model.
