It’s no surprise that disruption is the new buzz phrase in manufacturing today. With consumer demand for speed, concerns over evolving technology, and a volatile political landscape among the range of obstacles that threaten their bottom line, manufacturers are once again staring down an industrial revolution. Today’s professionals however, are trained to think about change

Recently, I was at a technology fair with my young son and there were multiple desktop 3D printers that were on display and for sale. One display that caught my eye showed 16 printers stacked together with each one in a different stage of printing. Several of the printers were printing figures of dragons and dinosaurs. My son thought they looked like fun and asked for one for his birthday. I asked him what he would use it for and he said that he would want to print out dinosaur figures, action figures, ships from Star Wars® or missing Lego® pieces. He said that he could make his toys exactly how he wanted his toys to look.

This got me thinking and I wondered if he could actually do it, print toys and figures that are protected by copyrights. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just print that missing Monopoly® piece?Continue Reading Toys On Demand? A Child’s Best Friend

3D Printing: Evaluating Product Safety and Liability Risks, Avoiding and Defending Claims

This CLE webinar will examine product liability concerns surrounding 3D printing and best practices in avoiding and defending claims over defects. Topics discussed will include many industries including the automotive industry, consumer products, and medical devices. After the presentations, there will be a live question and answer session.Continue Reading Webinar: 3D Printing- Evaluating Product Safety and Liability Risks, Avoiding and Defending Claims

The Shape of Things to Come –
Strategies for Success in the Age of 3D Printing

This webinar is being presented as part of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America’s 2015 Webinar Series. Members of Husch Blackwell’s 3D Printing team and Calares’ 3D Printing expert will present on the basics of 3D footwear printing, including its capabilities and applications, the current state of the industry, and its impact on manufacturing. They will also discuss the new intellectual property issues inherent in 3D Printing.Continue Reading Webinar: Strategies for Success in the Age of 3D Printing

With a busy holiday season ahead, many shoppers are looking forward to finding that unique gift.  Parents of children who enjoy crafts or building will be especially attracted to the creative possibilities of a home 3D printer.  Kids can make their own jewelry, model cars, and even wearable fashion.  With an industry still in its infancy in the consumer market, I sat down with Brandan Mueller to better understand the legal pitfalls inherent in the expected Christmas season sales bump.  Brandan is Husch Blackwell’s expert on the intersection of traditional consumer protection / products liability law and 3D printing technology.
Continue Reading 3D Printing: Warranty and Products Liability Issues

3D printing continues to transform the medical field. Recently, doctors in Spain produced the world’s first 3D-printed rib cage and sternum, which is made entirely of titanium. The doctors surgically implanted the metal rib cage and sternum in a cancer patient. Last month, the FDA approved the first 3D-printed drug. The drug, which Aprecia Pharmaceuticals has named Spritam, is for treating patients with epilepsy. Aprecia Pharmaceuticals’ ZipDose® Technology utilizes 3D printing that overlays multiple layers of powdered medication on top of one another until the correct dosage is reached. This type of technology can lead to easier-to-take medication that is individualized in nature with precise dosages based on a patient’s needs.
Continue Reading Medical Advancements in 3D Printing