Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing as it is more commonly known, continues to push the boundaries of Intellectual Property (IP) law. There have been various attempts to address these questions through legal and empirical studies; yet at the same time, there continues to be limited literature and debate of a holistic nature on the implications of 3D printing on intellectual property law, industry, society, technology and policy. This gap, which extends to the lucrative jewellery sector raises further questions in relation to creativity, design, copyright and licensing was the focus of an event held at Bournemouth University last week.

This event, which built on the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) Commissioned Study on 3D Printing and IP law led by Bournemouth University (BU) during 2013-2014 (reports published in 2015), explored some of these questions and brought together experts from the cultural and business sectors including designers, manufacturers, distributors, policy makers and legal professionals.

Dids Macdonald, CEO at Anti Copying in Design (ACID), talked to those present about a lacuna in current design IP law which, potentially, could leave the door open to counterfeiters and she cited examples of historical evidence where IP law had not moved in tangent with technological advances leaving creators in a vulnerable position. Read her speech here supported by a presentation here.