Although 3D printing technology has been in existence for several decades, its recent proliferation makes it clear that never before as much as now, has this technology presented as acute a challenge to Intellectual Property (IP) laws and rights holders, and to traditional manufacturing practices.

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The prolific rate at which 3D printers are being produced is realistically projected to result in a 3D printer becoming a common household device in the next few years. This could ultimately decentralise manufacturing, by enabling virtually anyone to become a manufacturer in the comfort of their home. Naturally, such a result would significantly disrupt the general order of business, and do so in a far-reaching manner that would affect the economy at large, e.g. with reference to the availability of employment and the collection of taxes.

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3D Printing requirements Generally, to create a product using a 3D printer, one requires (i) a digital file of the product to be 3D printed, (ii) instructions that would instruct the 3D printer to additively print the product, and a material that will be used to print the product in 3D. A 3D printer also needs […]

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