INTRODUCTION

There are now approximately 6,000 patent documents in the US alone that have a significant bearing on the field of additive fabrication. In addition, at present another 200 documents are being published each quarter in the US, with possibly an equal number appearing in the EPO, Japan and other countries. This means that the days when a straightforward approach to technology protection was possible, are not only over, but that a new era has begun with potential risks and rewards that extend far beyond the basic functions of patents. One example of what this implies in the long-term is the semiconductor industry. The upwards of 250,000 patents in that field means that it's virtually impossible for workers to not interfere with each other. The same can be said for the computer industry. That's why licensing and cross-licensing have become a way of life for companies in those industries, and why intellectual property strategy has been integrated into their business and technology plans. While the 6,000 documents for additive fabrication are a far cry from the numbers in those fields, it's still enough to prevent any organization from being an island unto itself [1].

US patents and patent applications for additive fabrication published 1995 through 2007.

A large population of patents in a field mean that it also becomes possible to use this body of information to gather competitive intelligence, and to use it as both an offensive and defensive strategic weapon and revenue source.

Benefits are relative, however. Ignoring them means your competitors get them - and benefits for them can be problems for you, if they decide to engage in unseemly behavior [2]. In worst-case scenarios a competitor can restrict your freedom to operate or even shut you down [3]. Understanding the uses of intellectual property in a maturing industry can avoid a great deal of trouble and allow a company to compete more effectively.