How businesses are preparing for the 3D printing boom

Around the world, more businesses are beginning to implement 3D printing technologies to streamline operations to build prototypes, cardboard boxes and other products, so it is expected to be a hot intellectual property topic for 2014.

However, before this trend becomes widespread, Fujitsu Ltd. and Stratasys Ltd. have secured 92 patents to ensure their technology is protected from potential competitors in 2014. Fujitsu specifically has extensive experience creating communication and computer equipment, and the equipment it uses to design precise products may be valuable in the coming years.

What can these businesses expect? The United Kingdom's Intellectual Property Office believes there will be ongoing issues among these developers.

Within a year, the IP office found that interest for 3D printing has been around since 2005, but it began to really gain traction in 2011. Although implications on its popularity is unknown, GE is trying to appeal to the masses by claiming December 3 "3D Printing Day," Geekosystem reported.

Users can visit the Tumblr website to choose their favorite 3D-designed gifts or make their own 3D printing prototype. Products like ornaments, iPhone speakers and laptop privacy covers are among the many items businesses have created for GE's contest.

In fact, users can "sit back, relax, and let someone print your gift out and send it to you instead of braving the stores, because we live in the future," Geekosystem's contributor Dan van Winkle writes.

Despite this measure, some 3D printing providers may find themselves in future copyright infringement lawsuit if they do not design products that are unique to their brand. Protect your own intellectual property with the support of a Phoenix business attorney.

Categorised in: Intellectual Property Law

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