ABSTRACT
An analysis of current copyright laws in relation to 3D printing reveals a comprehensive legal framework, but also highlights unresolved issues. Challenges include designing ownership, controlling distribution and distinguishing derivative works from inspiration. Discussions on the adequacy of the law lead to the exploration of alternative licensing models and open-source solutions. Ambiguity remains in distinguishing adaptations, particularly in the EU and legislative clarity is needed. The chapter examines the implications of copyright for personal use, focusing on the legal framework for digital design files, scanning copyrighted objects and the impact of commercial activities on exceptions. Determining the copyrightability of 3D-printed objects is complex and challenges the boundary between functional and artistic elements. Extending copyright to functional objects may disrupt the balance between copyright and patent, requiring careful thresholds of originality. In addition, maintaining attribution in digital design files is challenging, leading to proposals for metadata integration. To this end, addressing these issues is essential to ensure legal clarity in the emerging 3D printing landscape.
Akın, Eylül Erva, 3D Printing and Copyright: A Critical Analysis of Authorship and Control (July 18, 2024) in Emerging Interfaces of Intellectual Property and Technology (Anindya Sircar ed, 2024, Bloomsbury Publishing, Chapter 4, pp 67–80).
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