Make and share: intellectual property, higher education, technology transfer, and 3D printing in a global context

This Chapter considers whether the 3D printing revolution will disrupt the traditional approaches to intellectual property and technology transfer in higher education. It explores the theoretical and practical implications of the Maker Movement for education, learning, and access to knowledge. This Chapter reviews the patent landscapes in respect of 3D printing and notes the increasing rise of patent thickets in the technology field. It highlights questions over patent ownership and collaboration in respect of 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing. The Chapter explores various comparative approaches to direct and indirect patent infringement with regard to 3D printing. It also considers the range of available defenses to claims of patent infringement in respect of 3D printing, exploring the defense of experimental use; the private use defense; and the possibility of a defense recognizing the right of repair. This Chapter concludes by stressing that the 3D printing revolution can help promote the public interest of universities through models of open access, open data, and open innovation. Moreover, there is an opportunity to modernize patent law, practice, and policy in light of the emergence of disruptive new technologies such as 3D printing.