Article
Source: Bloomberg Law
Article
12.09.25
In an article recently authored by Intellectual Property partner J. Rick Taché, additive manufacturing (AM) is described as a transformative technology whose digital, distributed nature creates new challenges for intellectual property protection. Traditional patent frameworks struggle to keep pace with easily shared computer-aided design files, requiring companies to adopt broader strategies that include method-based patent claims, leveraging trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and contractual control.
Taché argues that effective IP protection in AM now also depends on combining traditional legal tools with advancing technical safeguards such as digital rights management, digital watermarking and blockchain. Companies that integrate these layered protections can better deter infringement, preserve brand integrity and position themselves for growth in an increasingly decentralized manufacturing landscape.
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