Recently published 3D print patents is today's topic for Wild Card Wednesday - until we have a better idea of what to call it. Some of these are from major companies like Hasbro and Disney. Their PTO has published them from their applications. There is a caveat to this, because these are not patents, they are just applications for a patent. For those of you who may not know, when you file for a patent, it is private so that nobody can look it up except for the people who filed it for about 18 … [Read more...]
3D Print Brand Licensing with Tom Simon of Source 3
Today we have Tom Simon of Source3, who I met because of a LinkedIn post. I don’t think people understand the power of LinkedIn in communicating with others. I have done so many cold calls via LinkedIn where I commented on somebody’s something, and the next thing you know, we are striking up a conversation and having an interview. It’s probably one of the fastest ways people get to me to ask me about whether or not they want to be interviewed through Inc. It happens through LinkedIn most often, … [Read more...]
3D Design Theft or Fair Use?
Is it 3D design theft, or is it fair use? A timely issue in the 3D printing world that has just been happening that regards the potential theft of someone's designs. In this particular case, a Thingiverse designer found one of her designs being sold on eBay by a company called Just 3D Print in actual printed product, not the design file. In fact, what she found was this company had taken over 2,000 files from Thingiverse and put them up as individual items for sale on eBay that they … [Read more...]
Are We Really Worried About Our Designs Being Stolen?
History has proven time and time again that groundbreaking products will always be replicated. It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when and by who. Designers worried about their 3D designs being stolen are in a way crippled when it comes to the industry. Being in the industry for some time, Tom and Tracy Hazzard talk about their personal experience in design theft by a household name. They discuss the different views and impacts this fear brings to the table and explain their … [Read more...]
3D Print File Rights And Protection With Maria Speth Of Jaburg Wilk
Can you copy a 3D print file without violating patent or copyright law? If someone makes a slight change to your original design file, would that new file no longer be protected by the original copyright? A recent decision in the Federal Court battle between Align Technologies, makers of Invisalign 3D printed clear braces and a direct competitor ClearCorrect, has established (for now) if digital files and 3D CAD files are considered “articles” within US Patent Law. While this case has … [Read more...]
When Should I File A Patent For My 3D Prints?
Patent for 3D prints are necessary especially when you want your designs and products to be more valuable. In this WTFFF?! episode Tom and Tracy Hazzard answer a question from a loyal listener from Brazil, Eduardo Martini who asks when should he file a patent on his 3D printed designs, and when did Tom and Tracy file for patents on their designs? This is a great question that applies to all 3DP content creators. --- Listen to the podcast here: When Should I File A Patent For My … [Read more...]