3-D printing (also known as additive
manufacturing) is a relatively new and exciting development in the
manufacturing world. While a normal printer can take a document and translated
it to ink on a page, a 3-D printer can read three-dimensional digital models
and physically form them by adding layers upon layers of different materials
including; plastics, metals, or even flesh. The idea that an object of any
shape can be created this way opens the world of manufacturing to new
possibilities; however, as with any technology, it can be used to break the
law. In a recent New York Law Journal article, James A. Johnson expresses both
his appreciation and apprehension concerning this new form of production.
The use of 3-D printing ranges from making
children’s toys to practical tools for the workplace. Once a single digital
model is obtained, multiple copies of the same object can be printed. Even now, the use of 3-D printing has been
extended to the medical field. University of Michigan Researchers used the
technology to produce surgical implants for the human body. A company by the
name of Organovo developing the technology further in the hopes of producing
living and functioning human organs to be used for transplants. They would do
this by using 3-D printers. The printer does this by applying layers of living
tissue rather than inanimate material. If the tissue is sampled from the
patient, there would be no chance of rejection later in their life. Simply put,
this technology could save lives that would otherwise be lost.
While 3-D printing may seem like it can
only help the manufacturing and medical world, it could be used for unethical
practices as well. Again, the only guide that a 3-D printer or a group of 3-D
printers needs to continuously produce something is a single digital file of
the required object. Digital models can be made when an item is scanned by a
3-D scanner. This leaves an opportunity for copyright infringement as patented
objects could be scanned and copied by rival companies. Some might take such
patented material and illegally modify and sell it without the original manufacturer’s
consent. As the ever-changing flow of information and files over the Internet
continues, it shall become more and more difficult to protect one’s content or
intellectual property. It is equally difficult to police items that are sold
online, especially if they appear to be legitimate instead of copies of an
original.
For practical reasons, it is always a good
idea to patent anything that is your original work or idea. This does not only affect
large corporations, but small businesses as well. There may come a time when
the ethics of 3-D printing are called into question.
If you desire to protect your intellectual
property or have questions concerning patents or copyrights, contact Poissant,
Nichols, Grue, and Vanier for more information at:
367
West Main Street 45
Market Street
Malone,
NY 12953
Potsdam, NY 13676
Phone:
(518) 483-1440
Toll
Free: 1-800-924-3529
-Paul
Nichols
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