| Abstract: | With the new wave of intelligent manufacturing, 3D printing will be a crucial innovative technology contributing to promoting economic growth in the future. Meanwhile, 3D printing technology will also bring challenges of intellectual property protection. Since CAD documents do not constitute the technical solution under the patent protection, the rule of direct infringement cannot be applied to manufacture, sales and dissemination of CAD documents of patented products. The non-physical character of CAD documents divorces itself from the rule of assistance infringement. Exceptions for non-commercial implementation shield the aforementioned conducts from liability. The "thought and dichotomy" rule under the copyright law seems helpless to protect functional features. Facing these challenges, it is feasible to apply the existing rule of joint infringement; however, it merits attention to prudently seeking balance between protecting right holders and preventing abuse of patent exclusive rights. |
