3D Printing and Its Implication to Patent Law

3D printing and cloud computing are good examples to explore technological changesand patent law. Some commentators and 3D enthusiasts argue that 3D printing is one of the new general purpose technologies that would be pervasive in terms of its applicability, improve and lower costs over time and would incite new inventive potential. Both of these technologies are further instances of computer programming technology, where industry is currently defining its own field, and where the copying of the expression merge with the exploitation of ideas. If technologies need to prosper without hindrance of the law, policy makers should carefully consider how the exclusive right of patent may apply to these new technologies. This paper explores to what extent and manner should the future patent norm take the principle of neutrality of protection into consideration, considering these new emerging technologies and explore if these technologies merit exceptional treatments topreserve a freedom to tinker.