Breaking the Mold: How to 3D Print Trust, Not Trouble

By: Avi Reichental

As someone who has proudly (and profitably!) enforced intellectual property (IP) rights across the years, I’ve seen both the rewarding outcomes of protection and the transformative potential of ethical collaboration. When done right, partnerships built on mutual respect, lawful alignment, and shared purpose can drive innovation that benefits humanity and the planet.?

But in the fast-moving world of additive manufacturing (AM), where breakthroughs can be as fleeting as a filament spool, two forces are ever-present: innovation and infringement. One propels the industry forward; the other tries to hijack it.?

?From "IP, Please!" to AMazing Partnerships?

For decades, I’ve collaborated with partners across the globe, including some of the most talented and forward-thinking innovators in China. Companies like Creality, PioCreat, Chitsu and Phrozen exemplify what’s possible when shared values create a solid foundation for progress.?

?But let’s not ignore the darker side. IP infringement isn’t just a “Chinese playbook.” While some bad actors from China have made headlines, recent examples show that Western companies are just as guilty. High-profile cases have seen these so-called “blue-chip leaders” blatantly violating key blocking patents with impunity—until juries of their peers handed down verdicts involving tens of millions in punitive damages.?

?And let’s be clear: these aren’t isolated incidents. I’m personally aware of additional violations by well-known companies that many would consider icons of our industries begging to be righted. The stakes are high, and the repercussions of such misconduct ripple through the ecosystem, undermining trust and innovation.?

?The Real Cost of Copycats?

?IP theft isn’t just unethical—it’s shortsighted. It erodes reputations, diminishes trust, and weakens the industry as a whole. From my experience enforcing IP, I know the importance of a strong defense. But it’s equally crucial to nurture alliances with those who play by the rules and share a vision for advancing technology.?

?A Blueprint for Ethical Growth?

?The AM industry’s potential is limitless, but it hinges on maintaining integrity. When we partner with “kindred spirits” who share our commitment to transparency and innovation, we unlock the true power of collaboration. Together, we can revolutionize industries like healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing—provided we prioritize ethics over expediency.?

?Key Takeaways (or, "Print This and Hang It Somewhere!")?

?- Infringement Knows No Borders: IP theft isn’t limited to one region or group—it's a global issue.?

- Protect What’s Yours: A robust defense of your IP is essential to preserving innovation.?

- Find the Right Partners: Collaboration with ethical innovators accelerates progress.?

- Demand Accountability: Whether it’s punitive damages or public scrutiny, bad actors must face the consequences.?

?Innovation without integrity is a dead end. As an industry, we have a choice: to build trust or burn bridges. Let’s commit to creating a thriving ecosystem that respects IP, rewards innovation, and fuels transformative technologies for the betterment of all.?

?When it comes to 3D printing, the strongest layers are built on trust—and it’s time we start building better.?