Previously on this blog, Wilson Elser attorneys have written several posts about 3D printing technology and the law. We have predicted that this new technology has the potential to change the landscape of product liability law. This is happening, and especially so with respect to implantable medical devices, which are revolutionizing the health care industry with their unlimited potential for customization.

While there are still no published opinions for product liability cases involving 3D printed medical implants (or any 3D printed medical devices for that matter), we recently had the opportunity to defend a manufacturer client on product liability and negligence causes of action asserted against its 3D printed, custom-made orthopedic prosthesis. We obtained summary judgment for the client.

Continue Reading 3D Printed Medical Implants: Should Laws and Regulations Be Revolutionized to Address This Revolutionary Customized Technology?

1509-Technology-and-electronic-productsWhen we wrote back in November 2013 about 3D Printing and Product Liability Law, we predicted that the 3D printing revolution “will challenge our long-held notions of product liability law and the common assumptions made regarding the liability of various entities in the chain of distribution.” Our blog challenged the reader to think about who the manufacturer would be under the make-believe fact scenario we posed for an injury allegedly caused by a 3D-printed product.
Continue Reading Is Our Legal System Ready for the Evolution of 3D Printing Technology?

3D-Printer imgThere’s a revolution coming in manufacturing known as “stereotactic lithography.” Besides its certain future impact on manufacturing and supply chain logistics, the 3D printing revolution will challenge our long-held notions of products liability law and the common assumptions made regarding the liability of various entities in the chain of distribution.
Continue Reading Dramatic, Disruptive and Potentially Defective: 3D Printing and Product Liability Law