3D printing still exists in a legal grey area. This area is slowly being defined as courts prosecute the first cases but, is current copyright and criminal law keeping up with the technology?
Objects of almost any shape or geometry can be produced by 3D printing. The technology could seriously disrupt not just manufacturing but related national plans for economic development.
An old technique to explore the inside of fossils unfortunately ended up destroying some unique specimens. New technology has been used to reconstruct one such fossil.
Technology has had a particularly visible impact on the Paralympics. But the the most important thing is to let the athlete’s ability come to the fore.
Beyond making guns at home, 3D printing could help countries secretly develop nuclear weapons and terrorists stage more effective attacks. How do we protect innovation and ourselves?
3D printing is opening doors to amazing opportunities and benefits – as well as some undeniable dangers. Patience and caution about regulating it will yield more innovation.
Computer simulation and 3D printing are allowing scientists to develop faster, safer ways to test medical devices without installing them in live humans or animals.
Professor of Intellectual Property and Innovation Law; Director Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Managament (CIPPM), Bournemouth University, Bournemouth University
SHARP Professor, Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney