3D Printing May Face Legal Challenges 316
angry tapir writes "A coming revolution in 3D printing, with average consumers able to copy and create new three-dimensional objects at home, may lead to attempts by patent holders to expand their legal protections, a paper from Public Knowledge says. Patent holders may see 3D printers as threats, and they may try to sue makers of the printers or the distributors of CAD (computer-aided design) blueprints, according to digital rights group Public Knowledge."
Worried? (Score:4, Funny)
Right, because a lumpy plastic copy of an item is just as good as the real thing....
It won't end there (Score:4, Funny)
Okay... (Score:4, Funny)
This is surprising how?
Of course manufacturers and IP-holders will not be amused when you can suddenly make your own product or part that you'd otherwise have to buy for lots of cash.
They'll win that battle just as easily and decisively as the content industry has won its battle against filesharing and copying... Oh, wait.
Re:Worried? (Score:5, Funny)
Right, because a lumpy plastic copy of an item is just as good as the real thing....
Well, your wife told me that she actually thinks its better.
Re:Worried? (Score:5, Funny)
Time to print... (Score:3, Funny)
... some patent lawyers.
Re:Pretty pathetic (Score:5, Funny)
The only legitimate use of the chisel is to infringe on intellectual property!
That is why, even today, Canada levies a 10 cent "piracy tax" on stone plates.
Re:Worried? (Score:1, Funny)
That was because someone used the "enlarge" option on the printer.