While ordinary consumers have, so far, been underwhelmed by the ‘3D printing revolution’, business and government are keenly investigating its potential, leaving the way open for them to hold ownership and power over this technology.
Furthermore, no one yet knows if existing laws on gun ownership, intellectual property, product liability, and data privacy will be adequate to deal with the looming social and legal issues 3D printing will pose, says QUT technology law specialist Dr Angela Daly, from QUT Faculty of Law’s Intellectual Property and Innovation Law research group.
“Already there are sites such as enablingthefuture.org where people can download a free program to print a prosthetic limb such as a hand at home,” Dr Daly, who will give the keynote talk at the QUT-hosted 3D Printing Regulation Research Workshop this Friday, 29 April, said.
“But what about compliance with safety regulations such as whether the prostheses are durable, or printed from non-toxic material?
“It is concerning that the website advises not to leave these 3D-printed limbs in the car on a hot day – do they advise using safe, medical grade filament? Does the website’s disclaimer waive their responsibility in all jurisdictions if something should go wrong?”
Dr Daly said the ease with which 3D printing plans could cross borders via the internet meant issues with enforcing existing laws would have to be addressed.
“Already, New South Wales has felt its legal requirements for gun ownership were not adequate in the face of this technology and has passed new laws on 3D-printed guns whose plans can be downloaded for free from the internet.
“Also, because it is easy to send and download 3D printing plans via the internet anonymously, it makes the protection of patented items, parts and the protection of other intellectual property difficult to enforce.”
Dr Daly said that while home 3D printing had been hailed as the latest ‘disruptive technology’ which would empower individuals, allow them to evade government regulation, and disrupt existing business models, it had not lived up to this promise.
“Despite the rhetoric that 3D printing would usher in the end of government control and corporate-enforced scarcity, consumers have been slow to jump on the bandwagon, with some companies set up in anticipation of a 3D printer consumer boom having already closed down,” Dr Daly said.
“However, traditional businesses are already investigating integrating 3D printers into their traditional offerings to consumers.
“For example, toy maker Mattell is investing in 3D printers to print their toys at home and confectionery manufacturer Hersheys is also teaming with 3D printing firms to produce chocolate 3D printers.”
Dr Daly, whose book Socio-legal aspects of the 3D printing revolution will be launched next month, will open the one-day workshop addressed by speakers from the legal, business and research sectors working in the 3D printing field.
For information on the speakers, details of and bookings for the free public workshop at QUT Gardens Point, P Block Room 512, go here.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
