European Commission has just released its latest study “The Intellectual Property Implications of the Development of Industrial 3D Printing”, regarding IP considerations in the whole 3D printing process, from the digital model to licensing the 3D printed product.

3D printing is one of the priority areas of technology in the European Union and one of the main factors in bringing about industrial transformation. As a consequence, IP rights are a controversial issue and it is often questioned how to adapt the IP regime in this regard.

The aim of the report is to identify how the existing IP framework brings protection to IP right holders, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities that needs clarification, in order to enhance the competitiveness of this sector in Europe.

The study has been developed on a combination of legal and industry data with a focus on seven industrial applications of Additive Manufacturing: health, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods/electronics, energy, industrial equipment and tooling and construction and building sectors. After an introduction on the technical elements in the 3D printing process and the related IP considerations, the report sets out the legal issues relating to protection, exceptions, limitations, infringement and licensing, ending up with conclusions and recommendations.