Sketchfab has issued a rather interesting and futuristic update to their Terms of Use.
legal
Shocking Plot to Hide 30kg of Drugs Inside 3D Printers Revealed in Taiwan
3D printer used in smuggling operation.
SketchFab Goes Adults Only – Which Site is Next?
Online 3D repository Sketchfab has changed their policies and now permits only adults aged 18 or over to participate.
US Government Changes Rules For 3D Printed Weapons
Legal changes suggest the market for 3D printed weapons may soon shrink in the United States.
Cosmo Wenman’s 3D Scanning Case Against Musée Rodin
If there’s one person that’s shaking up the world of 3D scanning, it’s Cosmo Wenman.
Surgery with Bioartificial Organs, Legal Troubles and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine a tragic applications of 3D printing and consider how things could have worked out for the better.
Stratasys Adopts Special Shareholder Plan
This is ultra-corporate stuff, but it is certainly interesting and fits in with events that have already taken place.
Government Contracting Venture Rips Off an Open Source 3D Printer Design
The Hangprinter project seems to have been ripped off by a U.S. government contractor.
Which 3D Print Company Has The Most Patents?
I was curious about the quantity of patents held by several 3D print companies, and decided to investigate.
BuildBee’s Thoughts On 3D Intellectual Property
We had a chat with Matthew Griffiths, CTO of BuildBee about 3D model intellectual property.
Kickstarter Refunds 3D Scanner Contributions
According to a court document, Kickstarter will begin refunding backers of Creality’s latest 3D scanner project.
Honda’s 3D Model Takedown is Annoying, But Not Surprising
Printables has been forced to de-list dozens of 3D models referencing “Honda”.
Will New US Policies on “Ghost Guns” Affect 3D Printing?
The Biden administration announced a series of new policies related to “ghost guns” that might affect 3D printing.
Artec 3D Launches Intellectual Property Lawsuit
News broke about a lawsuit filed by Artec 3D regarding the intellectual property of their software suite.
E3D-Online Adjusts IP Policy For Revo
E3D-Online clarified their position on use of their Revo hot end design.
Thermwood’s Astonishing Patent Portfolio
Thermwood announced they’ve received another 32 patents for additive manufacturing methods, adding to their massive pile.
Jabil vs. Essentium: Case Settled
The mysterious legal battle between Jabil and Essentium appears to have quietly concluded.
President Biden, Right to Repair, and 3D Printing
Competition. From natural selection to business, competition has always been a part of life.
Shifting The 3D Printed Weapons Problem Somewhere Else
I had a thought about the 3D printed weapons issue that just won’t go away.
Pennsylvania Seizes 3D Printer
The state of Pennsylvania seized two 3D printers that were allegedly being used to make illegal “ghost guns”.
Exploring Relativity Space’s Machine Learning 3D Printing Patent
Relativity Space owns what could become a key patent for additive manufacturing.
Traps For The Unwary In Launching Additive Manufacturing Globally
Charles R. Goulding invites expert attorney Bob Ward to examine industrial 3D printing impacts from trade laws.
Big Tech on the Antitrust Hot Seat and 3D Printing
Charles Goulding Jr. examines the recent anti-trust lawsuits in the US and how they may affect 3D printing.
The Unusual Rotary Piston Extruder Needs To Be Used
It’s been brought to our attention there is a patent on a very unusual 3D printer extruder design.
When 3D Printed Guns Are Not 3D Printed Guns
I’m reading an article on Hackaday about some folks experimenting with 3D printed gun parts and realized there could be a problem.
Weinberg Seeks Information On Proprietary 3D Printer Materials
Michael Weinberg is seeking information from the public on 3D printers that employ various mechanisms to ensure the use of proprietary materials.
Future Bioprinting Faces Unknown Regulations
An intriguing piece by The Conversation provokes some thinking into the future regulatory environment that might face bioprinting, a form of 3D printing that is rapidly advancing.
3D Printing and the Law
We’re going to take a look at a few key ways in which the law can impact 3D printing.
States Request Removal of 3D Printed Weapon Designs
In a story that’s been unfolding for quite a few years, nearly half the states in the US have petitioned the US federal government to remove 3D printable weapon models.
Markforged Achieves ISO 27001
Markforged announced they have earned an ISO:27001 certification.
Possible Patent Infringement By Non-Planar Slic3r Development?
Non-planar 3D printing is a massive improvement, but it seems that it could be patented by a company, possibly leaving it difficult for the open source community.
FATHOM Patents Method of Quoting 3D Print Services
FATHOM has patented a method for pricing 3D print service quotes for molds. What does this mean for designers and engineers?
Essentium CEO: Jabil Lawsuit “Meritless”, Sending A “Chilling Message”
Essentium is doubling down on its public stance in the face of Jabil’s lawsuit regarding high-speed 3D printing technology trade secrets.
Markforged Files Claim Against Desktop Metal, Again
A lawsuit between Markforged and Desktop Metal? The two companies begin court battle again with Markforged claiming disparaging marketing material by Desktop Metal.
Two Sides To Every Story: Essentium Disputes Jabil Legal Claims
In response to Jabil’s recently publicized 3D printing lawsuit against Essentium, the latter says that the claims of wrongdoing are unmerited.
Jabil Sues Essentium: 10X Faster 3D Printing In Dispute
Jabil has filed suit against Essentium, alleging theft of trade secrets related to a high-speed 3D printing platform.
Union Tech USA Fails
An announcement on Union Tech’s USA website indicates they are shutting down their business.
Much More On The World Of Tanks Thingiverse Incident
We recently published a story on an incident that caused many 3D models on Thingiverse to be removed. Now, we know a lot more.
Significant Purge of Thingiverse This Week
Thingiverse has dropped a number of 3D models from its repository, according to multiple reports.
The Patent War Between Formlabs and DWS
There’s a silent war being waged between two giants of 3D printing: DWS and Formlabs.
IP, Law Enforcement, and 3D Printing: Interview with John Hornick
Understanding the capabilities and legalities of 3D printing is a complex undertaking: lawyer John F. Hornick weighs in on today’s realities.
Good News: You Can Use Third Party Materials Without Legal Fears
Well, well, it seems there has been a significant legal development in the USA regarding use of third party 3D printing materials.
Desktop Metal v Markforged: Resolution
Desktop Metal’s lawsuit against Markforged has reached an “amicable resolution”.
The Legalities of 3D Printing
As 3D printing continues to see adoption in industry, legal implications must be kept in mind: we speak to Elizabeth (Beth) D. Ferrill of IP law firm Finnegan.
Fabbaloo (and Others) Need Your Help
If you’re a resident of the EU, we need your help.
Book of the Week: 3D Printer: Patents & Innovations
This week’s selection is the instructive “3D Printer: Patents & Innovations” by M. A. Buth.
Possible Controversy on Thingiverse?
I found an interesting 3D model at Thingiverse, but then something happened.
3D Systems Settling Lawsuit?
I noticed something interesting in a business blog post about 3D Systems.
Be Very, Very Careful With Your Customer Data
I’m reading a fascinating legal complaint by 3D Systems against one of their former employees and his new employer, and there’s lessons to be had by all 3D printing companies here.
Desktop Metal Launches Lawsuit Against Markforged
Big news today: Desktop Metal has launched a lawsuit against their prime competitor, Markforged.
3D Print Materials Copyright Law Battle
Micheal Weinberg writes of an interesting legal battle taking place over use of third party 3D print materials.
3D Printing: Should You Go Open Source?
Although it’s possible that patents have existed since the time of the Ancient Greeks, the Venetian Patent Statute is more widely recognized as the first official patent system.
What’s Up With the Terms of Use for the New MakerBot Print Software?
Just last week, MakerBot announced a new product lineup—hardware and software included—geared towards professionals and educators that MakerBot CEO Jonathan Jaglom said was the result of a “cultural shift” at the company as they gained further insight into the specific needs of the professional market.
EnvisionTEC Files Suit Against Formlabs
Ouch! EnvisionTEC has launched a patent infringement lawsuit against Massachusetts-based Formlabs.
The Frequency of 3D Content Violations is Astonishing
Earlier we wrote a story on LayerTrove, a new Scotland-based startup that happens to be selling unlicensed 3D content. But how often does this occur? It turns out to be astonishingly frequent.
LayerTrove Releases Easy-To-Print 3D Models, But Faces Big Risks
LayerTrove is a Scotland-based 3D model store who have just launched a 3D models series that may bring them troubles in the future.
BMW Group Sues Turbosquid for Selling 3D Models of Their Car Designs
If you’ve ever stood in the shower wondering if you could be sued because you made a certain 3D model of a certain brand of car, wonder no more.
Creative Commons Investigating Ways To Better License 3D Designs
Creative Commons recently held a workshop to identify ways to move forward in providing better ways to license 3D content.
Dismissed: That Class Action Suit Against MakerBot Dies Completely
Remember that class action suit against MakerBot / Stratasys? Well, it’s now concluded and Stratasys has come out on top.
Here’s Why 3D Printing Patents Don’t Mean Much
Oh! Look! Someone’s patented SOMETHING about 3D printing! This changes EVERYTHING!
Thoughts And Reactions To The Peachy Printer Debacle
As we reported yesterday, the $100 3D printer project, Peachy Printer, has fallen to a major scandal where their business manager allegedly stole half of their crowdfunding raise.
No Change: The Risks Continue For 3D Printing Usage
A piece in Forbes entitled, “When 3D Printing Gets Into The Wrong Hands”, discusses the risks and challenges enabled by 3D printing. It’s all true and it’s the same as it ever was.
3D Printing As Expert Court Witness?
We’re reading an interesting report from The Expert Institute where they describe the increasing use of 3D prints in court.
A Messy Recommendation From The US Library Of Congress For 3D Printer Use
Last week the US Library of Congress issued a recommendation related to 3D printers. It’s short, promising or catastrophic depending on your point of view and utterly confusing.
MakePrintable’s GCODE Feature Could Cause Issues For Some
Another MakePrintable story? Yes, because they’ve developed a feature that could shake things up in the intellectual property space.
Copyright Controversy Erupts Over Site’s Use of 3D Model
Recently we wrote of a newly encountered 3D model repository, dayin.la, which holds plenty of interesting 3D content, but now it seems the site has used some models without permission.
Class Action Suit Filed Against MakerBot (and Stratasys)
Documentation filed in the US District Court in Minnesota alleges violations by Stratasys regarding their MakerBot subsidiary.
US To Tighten Up Export Restrictions; Will Affect 3D Printed Weaponry
In a recent proposal, the US Department of State suggests a number of changes to that country’s export rules, which effectively would prevent 3D models of weapons to be transmitted.
Doom for 3D Printer Manufacturers? AFINA Loses Battle With Stratasys
Stratasys announced the outcome of their lawsuit with Afina regarding patent infringement, and it’s not good for Afinia, or others.
Forensic Crime Analysis With 3D Printing
The BBC reports on an unusual use of 3D printing technology: forensic crime analysis of a murder in the UK.
Australia to Regulate 3D Printed Weapons?
The Australian Senate’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee has recommended new legislation specifically to regulate 3D printed firearms. Should they do this?
How to License Your 3D Prints
While it’s now become easy for many to create 3D designs and produce 3D prints, few are aware of ways to properly license them. A new paper explains how.
An Open Source Licence for 3D Printing: 3DPL Announced
YouMagine has announced a new type of licensing scheme for 3D print designs, the 3DPL.
Counterfeiting and 3D Printing: Not Likely
A piece in WIRED suggests society had better fear future rampant copying of objects through the use of 3D printing. We disagree. Strongly.
3D Printed Left Shark Controversy
The popularity of the Super Bowl “Left Shark” has reached the 3D printing world.
Digital 3D Models to be Blocked at the Border?
A fascinating report on Techdirt explains the how digital goods could become subject to border control. This has implications to 3D printing.
Formlabs is in The Clear
Remember the lawsuit against Formlabs launched by industry giant 3D Systems? It’s been dismissed.
3D Printed Gun Maker Jailed
Yoshitomo Imura, a Japanese 3D printing ehthusiast, has been jailed for two years for manufacturing 3D printed guns.
A Bump on the 3D Road for Dremel?
With this week’s announcement that Dremel has launched a personal 3D printer to be marketed through major retail chains, we speculated on issues they may encounter.
YouMagine Takes On a Big Challenge
The folks at YouMagine, Ultimaker’s online repository of downloadable 3D objects, have begun development of a new open source license for 3D printed items. They need your help.
Stratasys Patent Claims Against Afinia Dropped, Partially
The outcome is beginning to appear in the patent infringement case Stratasys brought against personal 3D printer marketer Afinia.
The Dirty Details on a 3D Model Theft
We’re reading a very detailed account of the theft and exploitation of a 3D model theft that recently took place – and was successfully resolved.
Backlash to MakerBot’s Patents Grows
The knowledge that MakerBot has apparently patented designs given to them by their community is spreading and some folks are upset.
Tokyo Man Busted for 3D Printed Weapons
According to a report on NHK and BBC, Tokyo resident Yoshitomo Imura has been arrested by Japanese police.
The Defensive Patent License
A large portion of the 3D printing community is within the open source world, while the rest is commercially oriented. Conflicts have occurred, but now there could be a way to reduce them.
The Tables Turn for 3D Printer Control Advocate
The California State Senator who introduced proposed legislation to regulate 3D printers for fear of uncontrolled 3D printed guns has been ironically charged with firearms trafficking.
How’s Afinia Doing After that Stratasys Patent Claim?
3D printing giant Stratasys made a claim against Afinia, saying the latter has violated not one, but four of their patents related to plastic extrusion-based 3D printing. Now, you’d think having the weight of a major patent suit against you would have an effect on sales. Would prospective customer be scared off by the legal… Continue reading How’s Afinia Doing After that Stratasys Patent Claim?
The Staggering Implications of Afinia’s Countersuit
After last week’s blockbuster announcement of Afinia’s response to Stratasys’ allegations of patent infringement, we got thinking about what this might mean. We’re anxiously awaiting further developments, that likely being a full-on court case where a judge and jury hear detailed technical arguments from both sides. That hasn’t even begun yet and we suspect… Continue reading The Staggering Implications of Afinia’s Countersuit
Breaking: Afinia’s Startling Response to Stratasys’ Patent Claims
After appropriate time for attorneys to do their work, Afinia has formally responded in court documents to Stratasys’ claim of patent infringement. Readers may recall that Afinia is the target of a patent claim by Stratasys. The larger company claims Afinia has violated four of their numerous 3D printing-related patents. In the response, Afinia… Continue reading Breaking: Afinia’s Startling Response to Stratasys’ Patent Claims
Extending the Ban on 3D Printed Weapons
A story in the Guardian describes the work by New York Senator Chuck Schumer to extend the ban on “undetectable guns” before it expires on December the 9th of this year. Obviously this work was inspired by recent events where working guns were produced on 3D printers – although the weapons produced were by… Continue reading Extending the Ban on 3D Printed Weapons
Implications of the Stratasys – Afinia Lawsuit
By now you’ve no doubt heard that Stratasys has launched a major lawsuit against Afinia for alleged violations of several Stratasys patents. We examined these patents previously, but we believe there are implications that travel far beyond simply Afinia, as the patents describe methods commonly used in many personal 3D printers. The concept of… Continue reading Implications of the Stratasys – Afinia Lawsuit
Details of the Stratasys – Afinia Lawsuit
We’ve been reading more about this week’s legal action by Stratasys against personal 3D printer marketer Afinia, who are alleged to have violated several of Stratasys’ patents. We’ve obtained a copy of the “Complaint for Patent Infringement” filed in the United States District Court, District of Minnesota (where Stratasys’ HQ is located, and, totally… Continue reading Details of the Stratasys – Afinia Lawsuit
Stratasys Sues Afinia
3D printing giant Stratasys launched legal action against Afinia, a marketer of personal 3D printers. The statement from Stratasys says: Afinia’s sale, promotion and use of its Series H printer infringes patents directed to part porosity, liquefier structure, temperature control, and tool paths for constructing part perimeters. The most recent Stratasys patent that Afinia… Continue reading Stratasys Sues Afinia
Lawmakers Hope to Regulate 3D Printed Guns with an Act from the 1980s
US Senator Chuck Schumer (D) is sounding the alarm about the proliferation of 3D printed weapons as a law banning undetectable firearms is set to end on December 9, 2013. The Undetectable Firearms Act, which was adopted in the 1980s, sought to make firearms more easily detectable by requiring that they contain a minimum… Continue reading Lawmakers Hope to Regulate 3D Printed Guns with an Act from the 1980s
University of Pennsylvania’s Take on 3D Print Liability Law
Nora Freeman Engstrom, Associate Professor of Law at Stanford has published a paper in which she examines some aspects of the legal implications of 3D printing. Many of us have been concerned about what may happen, but she states the problem eloquently: Following any significant technological breakthrough, legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers must consider… Continue reading University of Pennsylvania’s Take on 3D Print Liability Law