Event in China raises the importance of IP rights in 3D printing

The AHRC funded research project, which runs until March 2017, is being carried out in partnership with academics from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Durham University School of Law, the University of Sussex, and the Chinese University of Political Science and Law.

At the event in December 2016, the team successfully demonstrated their 3DP licensing system, for which there was widespread support.  With attendance from over 100 individuals in the industry, a large number of speakers, over 4 million views of a video report and numerous reports of the event in the international press, the event has raised the importance of IP rights in 3D printing, especially within China.

Event speakers were from organisations such as the World 3DP Technology Industry Association, the Shanghai Additive Manufacturing Association, Materialise and many others. As Dr Griffin stated at the event: "It is important to remember that what we develop here will be a bedrock, a foundation stone for future transactions relating to content protected by IPR. Transactions can be done quickly and efficiently without clunky and distracting payment processes. It will open up a new world of content to the end user. The technical challenges are profound, as are the legal and societal challenges. These are challenges we have risen to"

The team are now looking forward to being able to obtain further funding to be able to continue to develop the licensing framework and to extend its reach and global impact.