- Publications
Summary of the main IP issues related to 3D printing
Design
- The Community Design is regulated by the Regulation No. 6/2002. It is obvious that the reproduction of a registered/non-registered Community design constitutes
direct infringement. A more discussed issue is the enforceability of a Community design against the reproduction of the same in the files to be used in the 3D
printing process. - Other relevant issues are the scope of the private use exception and the protection of spare parts that can be easily printed with a 3D printer.
- At European level there is no harmonization of the contributory infringement. In its 2016 design report the EU Commission has recommended the possibility of introducing a provision on contributory infringement, resembling the one under patent law.