ABSTRACT
This paper explores the intersection of copyright law and 3D printing, with a specific focus on the protectability of computer-aided design (CAD) files. Divided into three sections, it first examines the disruptive impact of 3D printing on copyright, particularly regarding the ease of reproducing and sharing protected designs. The second section analyzes the protectability of CAD files within the European Union and the United Kingdom, addressing the originality requirement and categorization under literary or artistic works. The final section outlines the challenges posed by 3D printing to the existing copyright framework and provides recommendations for legal and policy adaptations. Drawing from case law and legislative analysis, this study emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to balancing technological innovation, user access, and the protection of creators’ rights.
Bayma, Diego, Copyright, 3D Printing, and the CAD Files’ Protectability (September 11, 2024).
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