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Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2831-8846.j3dpa-19-2603
This paper addresses the topic of whether, and to what extent, copyrights should govern the distribution of 3D printing plans which are used in creating 3D printed, tangible objects. The essay discusses the various 3D printing technologies, describes how 3D printing is accomplished, defines copyright, and then briefly outlines the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) of 1998. In particular, the paper lists the conditions that a firm publishing 3D printing plans must satisfy to invoke Section 512(c) safe harbor provision of the DMCA. Finally, the essay discusses when a distributor of 3D printing plans would be protected under the safe harbor provisions, arguing that when a 3D printing plan is released not-for-profit, the organization is protected under Section 512(c).
In light of the 2020 Presidential election, this essay asks whether social media laws that affect the outcome of intellectual property be dramatically changed. The article outlines the relationship between Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the various intellectual property laws, including the four privacy torts, copyright laws, trade secret laws, patent laws, trademark laws, and right of publicity laws. Intellectual property is addressed because intellectual property is typically the content of social media sites. The Communications Decency is analyzed in detail, pointing out that members of both sides of the political aisle seem to believe that the Act gives social media companies tremendous political power to make or break existing members of Congress and future candidates. The paper concludes that the answer to the above question is yes.