This paper investigates the perspective of the European Patent Office (EPO) on intellectual property rights, particularly patents, for 3D-printed medical products. As a powerful regulatory body, the EPO is a key stakeholder in the regulation and handling of emerging technologies. As such a technology, 3D-printing may call policymakers to adapt the regulatory framework to deal with the specialities of 3D-printing and to increase legal certainty. Policymakers can profit from its insights for various reasons: What kind of new regulation may be needed largely depends on how executive organs such as EPO (attempt to) handle the respective technology. Also, insights from practitioners may help policymakers to identify issues that have been neglected by existing legislation – such as the implications of emerging technologies like 3D-printing.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Patents & 3D-Printing
- The Conventional Perspective on Patents
- Critical & Agnostic Perspectives
- Why 3D-Printing is Special
- Challenges for Policymakers
- EPO's perspective on Patents for 3D-printed medical products
- Methodological Note
- Key Results
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the European Patent Office's (EPO) perspective on intellectual property rights, specifically patents, for 3D-printed medical products. The paper aims to understand how the EPO, a key regulatory body, navigates the implications of 3D-printing in the context of intellectual property. It explores the potential impact of this emerging technology on the existing regulatory framework and identifies challenges for policymakers.
- The relationship between intellectual property and innovation in the context of 3D-printing.
- The role of regulatory bodies like the EPO in shaping the regulatory framework for 3D-printed products.
- The specific challenges posed by 3D-printing for policymakers, particularly in the medical sector.
- The EPO's perspective on the patentability of 3D-printed medical products and its implications for innovation.
- The potential impact of 3D-printing on traditional manufacturing and its implications for the medical industry.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The chapter introduces the concept of a "zero marginal cost society" enabled by 3D-printing, outlining its potential benefits and challenges. It discusses the role of 3D-printing in the medical sector, highlighting its potential to reduce costs and facilitate personalized treatments.
- Patents & 3D-Printing: This chapter delves into the conventional perspective on patents, arguing that they stimulate innovation and economic growth. It then explores critical and agnostic perspectives on patents, acknowledging their potential drawbacks and the need for a nuanced approach.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on intellectual property rights, specifically patents, in the context of 3D-printed medical products. It examines the perspective of the European Patent Office (EPO) as a key regulatory body and explores the implications of emerging technologies like 3D-printing for policymakers. The paper also delves into the debate on the relationship between intellectual property and innovation, particularly within the medical sector.
- Quote paper
- Philipp Neudert (Author), 2021, Perspectives of regulatory bodies on intellectual property for 3D-printed medical products, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1119525
