3D Printing: Clarifying Legal Principles and Concepts

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has the potential to have a major impact on how consumer goods are produced. It raises important legal questions about the status of software and new legal actors such as 3D printing services and platforms. It also might blur the line between a hobbyist and a trader. The paper argues that reflecting on these issues may need some legal rules to be clarified, but that the existing consumer protection values should continue to inform the law’s development. If anything, the consumer might be in a more vulnerable position compared to when purchasing traditionally produced goods, and in particular the responsibilities of platforms need to be evaluated.