Are there any laws governing the use of 3D printing technologies in the production of goods?

In California, laws governing the use of 3D printing technologies in the production of goods are largely untested. However, certain regulations and laws related to intellectual property, trade secrets, and copyright infringement may be applicable toward 3D printing technologies. The California Attorney General’s Office has published a guide on legal issues related to 3D printing, noting that existing intellectual property laws such as copyright and trademark law can apply to 3D printing technologies. Additionally, the unauthorized production or distribution of 3D printed goods may violate other laws such as patent law, trade secret law, and the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act. The United States Copyright Office also has specific regulations for 3D printing. They consider 3D printing to be a form of digital reproduction and requires that 3D Printing goods have licenses for their production, unless the goods fall into the category of works which are exempt from copyright protection, such as functional parts. As 3D printing technology continues to become more widely used for the production of goods, the laws governing its use are likely to become more specific. It is important for users of 3D printing technology to understand the laws that govern its use and to stay up to date with any new regulations on 3D printing technologies.

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