Hunton Retail Law Resource

As reported on December 10, 2019 in Hunton’s environmental law blog, “The Nickel Report”, additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, has already found commercial application in various industries and its use is on the rise. 3D printing converts 3D digital models created on a computer or with a scanner into physical objects, usually by successively adding material layer by layer. The process allows manufacturers to make complex designs, rapid prototypes and final products while offering the potential to limit process waste and reduce production costs.

3D ...

On April 21, 2016, Hunton & Williams LLP announced the launch of a cross-practice 3D printing team to advise clients as they explore this revolutionary technology. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is being adopted by manufacturers in many industries, including consumer products, aviation, energy, medical, prosthetic and transportation, and is becoming integrated into the production process.

There is general consensus that 3D printing has potentially revolutionary implications for industry and, along with it, for the law. Its consequences for consumers injured by 3D-printed products are potentially just as far-reaching.

Consider this fact pattern: A plumbing parts manufacturer makes CAD files available to plumbing stores so that they may 3D print replacement parts on demand and on-site in response to customer requests. A plumbing store sells such a 3D-printed part to a customer, but the part malfunctions, causing significant damage to the customer’s home.

In this fact pattern, the injured consumer may have recourse against the plumbing parts manufacturer and the plumbing store, although the manufacturer and store are likely to have agreements with indemnification and liability provisions.