Pandemics, patents, and 3D printing

3D printing technology is being used to supply much needed medical equipment and devices in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, but what are the legal pitfalls? Lucas S Osborn explores

Lucas S Osborn, Michael Best & Friedrich

One of the more fascinating and heartening aspects of the coronavirus pandemic has been the worldwide effort by users of 3D printing technology to help supply much needed medical equipment and devices. People and companies have volunteered to create digital 3D printable files that manufacture breathing masks, valves, and even entire ventilators. ¹ Others have volunteered to use the files to 3D print the needed objects locally.