Consumer 3d Printing : Is the UK Copyright and Design Law Framework Fit for Purpose?

3D printing is a technology that allows the production of physical objects from digital files. The increasing use of consumer 3D Printing technologies and services is prone to raise questions in relation to the intellectual property protection of digital files and material products. This paper surveys the UK Copyright and Design Law framework to assess if it allows for the development of the technology, while protecting the legitimate interests of rightholders. It concludes for the need for slight clarifications to the law and recommending that rightholders adapt their business models and search for innovative ways to benefit from the technology