(PALO ALTO, September 9, 2015)—Reed Smith LLP’s global Life Sciences Health Industry Group today announced the publication of its comprehensive white paper on the state of 3D Printing technologies in the medical devices industry.
The Reed Smith white paper, titled “3D Printing of Medical Devices: When a Novel Technology Meets Traditional Legal Principles,” explores the unchartered legal issues arising out of one of the hottest product trends: the use of 3D printing to manufacture medical devices.
“Reed Smith continues to stay in front of emerging technologies that are important to our medical device and other life science clients and their businesses,” said Reed Smith Global Managing Partner, Sandy Thomas. “It’s only a matter of time before 3D printing impacts clients in a broad range of sectors.”
The white paper provides chapters on a wide range of developing legal issues, including the regulatory landscape, intellectual property, tort liability, environmental effects, health risks in the workplace, and insurance risks and recovery.
The white paper also provides a brief overview of what 3D technology is, and how it is being used to print medical devices for patient treatment and use ranging from cutting-edge prosthetics, dental and facial implants, organ models, and tracheal splints, to everything from household goods, guns, and even cars.
The paper further looks head-on at product liability risks, and offers strategic insights and guidance to in-house counsel on litigation avoidance, contractual duties, and regulatory compliance.
“3D printing is here and is radically transforming the way medical devices are used to treat patients and save lives,” said Silicon Valley partner Colleen T. Davies. “Clearly, the time is now for the industry to examine the unknown risks and consequences.”
Reed Smith’s white paper is a team effort, with input from several areas of experience, including, in the practice areas of Life Sciences (Colleen T. Davies – Silicon Valley; Lisa M. Baird – Los Angeles; James M. Beck – Philadelphia; and Celeste A. Letourneau, Kevin M. Madagan, and Gail L. Daubert – all Washington); Environmental (Todd O. Maiden – San Francisco); Intellectual Property (Tracy Zurzolo Quinn – Philadelphia); and Insurance Recovery (John W. Schryber – Washington). Reed Smith associates Matthew D. Jacobson in Washington and Farah Tabibkhoei in Los Angeles serve as the assistant editors.
As with Reed Smith’s other industry white papers, “3D Printing of Medical Devices: When a Novel Technology Meets Traditional Legal Principles” will be updated continuously as new developments occur.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 26 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing and technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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