“Hitherto a technology limited to the production within industry of models or prototypes, 3D printing is, like the computer in the 1970s, becoming available to the domestic enthusiast. Like the home computer, personal 3D printing has the potential to radically change aspects of the way in which we live; we can even envisage a society where home manufacturing of many items is the norm. However, as with home computers, such developments may have wider effects.”(2)

With reference to the above:

a) Critically analyse the intellectual property issues surrounding 3D printing; and

b) Critically assess whether existing UK Intellectual Property laws provide adequate protection for the original designers, inventors and manufacturers of the products being copied.

_______________________________________________________
(2) Simon Bradshaw, Adrian Bowyer and Patrick Haufe, ‘The Intellectual Property Implications of Low-Cost 3D Printing’ (2010) 7 Journal of Law, technology and Society 5

You must indicate at the end of your coursework the total number of words used. You are
not allowed to exceed the word limit and, if you do so, the coursework mark will be reduced.
For the purpose of the word limit, the following are not included: • the coursework question • the bibliography • references (case, book, journal, website, lecture materials and other references). If
you use footnotes, any information in them (other than references) will be
counted.
Reductions for exceeding a word limit
Your coursework mark will be reduced as follows:
• Up to and including a 5% overshoot – one mark reduction. There is no de minimis
rule and even an overshoot of one or two words will be penalised.
• Thereafter, an additional one mark reduction for every additional 5% overshoot.
• The original mark will not be reduced below 50% and the maximum possible
reduction is 10 marks.
e.g., if the coursework has a word limit of 2000 words and you exceed this by 400 words
then the penalty will be a reduction of 4 marks – i.e. a mark of 61% will be reduced to 57%.
Any attempt at misrepresenting the number of words submitted amounts to cheating and
could incur the relevant penalty for an academic offence. Please remember that the Turnitin
report for your coursework will indicate the word count for it and tutors will check this to
ensure that you have correctly stated the number of words used.