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3D Printing of Manufactured Goods: An Updated Analysis

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Home Perspectives 3D Printing of Manufactured Goods: An Updated Analysis

Authors: James M. Beck Lisa M. Baird Marilyn A. Moberg Matthew D. Jacobson Robert A. Roth Todd O. Maiden Jonathan Kiel, Christian Page, Timothy Myers, Jason Van Sluytman

Last year Reed Smith published a comprehensive white paper—3D Printing of Medical Devices: When a Novel Technology Meets Traditional Legal Principles—examining the legal issues associated with 3D printing of medical devices. Since that time, 3D printing has become even more widespread in the medical realm as well as the marketplace as a whole. Almost daily, a new 3D printed product is being designed, marketed, or sold.

This white paper, 3D Printing of Manufactured Goods: An Updated Analysis, complements and expounds on the issues raised by the first edition and examines the legal ramifications and risks associated with all aspects of 3D printing and the different products that this novel technology is capable of creating. While the technology is still in its infancy and the law is untested in many respects, understanding the legal issues is the first step to avoiding potential pitfalls for anyone associated with 3D printing, from designers, to manufactures, to sellers, to consumers.

The chapters that follow include a wide range of developing legal, safety, and security issues:

  • Constitutional Issues (regarding 3D printed guns)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Product Liability
  • 3D Printing/Component Parts/Raw Materials
  • Insurance Issues
  • Intellectual Property Issues
  • Data Privacy
  • Environmental Safety

This is a truly collaborative work with contributions of many of our Reed Smith colleagues. It includes chapter authors Jim Beck, Chris Healy, Todd Maiden, Marilyn Moberg, Tracy Quinn, Bob Roth, John Schryber, Matthew Shiels, Mark Francis, David Krone, Michael Mandell, Jennifer Schramm, Johnathan Gershon, and contributions from Jonathan Kiel, Timothy Myers, Christian Page and Jason Van Sluytman from Exponent.

This white paper, along with the first edition, is meant to be a comprehensive, up-to-date resource, on the legal issues that are involved in 3D printing. As the law and technology develops, new and updated chapters will be released, with the prior editions serving as building blocks.

Download the PDF below to read more!