The European Parliament is under criticism from CECIMO, the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries, for introducing a premature non-binding resolution intended to protect Intellectual Property.
The non-binding resolution, titled “Three-dimensional printing: intellectual property rights and civil liability”, had 631 votes in favour, 27 against, and 19 abstentions.
Its purpose is to introduce stricter parameters regarding IP infringements. But also to potentially revise the Liability and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regulatory framework for 3D printing in the EU. There is also talk of developing a national copyright levy system.
However, these points concern experts at CECIMO who believe that introducing IP regulation in Europe will stifle innovation. In fact, they believe the 3D printing intellectual property rights framework currently in place is fit for purpose.
CECIMO and the European Commission to Work Closely Together
The European Parliament does point out the advantages of 3D printing for the economy and society in the resolution. However, CECIMO adds in a press release:
“CECIMO is glad that the European Parliament recognises the added value of 3D printing and its technological, economic, and environmental benefits for Europe. We urge the European Institutions, however, to firmly differentiate between business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) uses of the technology, when approaching 3D printing from a regulatory perspective… 3D printing production methods are already subject to a high level of requirements in the sectors where this production method is applied.”
Due to the majority vote, this resolution requires a mandatory response within three months from the European Commission. In its response, it will outline views and intentions on the topic.
However, CECIMO will be working closely with European Commission Officials and hope to prove that the current liability and IPR rules are already “fit for purpose in the European 3D printing landscape.”
Source: CECIMO
License: The text of "Does a European Parliament Resolution Stifle 3D Printing Innovation?" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.