MediaTech Law

By MIRSKY & COMPANY, PLLC

Can I Print This? 3D Printing and Intellectual Property (Q&A)

Posted September 3, 2012 by Britnie Morris 0

My colleague, Miguel Abaunza, works in design and recently purchased a 3D printer. Miguel started bringing me and my roommate jewelry, some small trinkets and this really cool bulb cover I was immediately curious about the extent of these capabilities: what all could this printer actually print?  Miguel pointed me in the direction of a Ted Talk in which Marc Goodman mentions that 3D printers can print in chocolate! Goodman also highlights security risks that these machines may pose as the technology advances and becomes more accessible. I became curious about the implications of intellectual property law in 3D printing.

In this post, I called on Andrew Mirsky to answer some questions I have on this topic.  Andrew is an attorney with Mirsky & Company, PLLC:

First some background: 3D printers print objects.  After you input a design, the print job yields a three-dimensional figure composed of tightly-welded plastic or metal.  

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Tootsie Roll vs. Footzy Roll: Clever Marketing or Trademark Infringement?

Posted August 14, 2012 by Britnie Morris 0

As a twentysomething female who likes to dress for success but not suffer without end in the unrelenting DC humidity, flat, practical shoes can offer a sweet reprieve from uncomfortable heels.  Rollashoe’s premier product, the Footzy Roll, a ballet-style, compactible slipper can be stored easily for the girl on the go.  They’re great to casually slip on after a night out on the town or for happy hour after a day in the office.  They’re also edible.  Just kidding.

Tootsie Roll seeks to block Rollashoe’s trademark for “Footzy Rolls” in the US Patent and Trademark Office, as Reuters reported last fall.  Tootsie, which, as reported in the Chicago Tribune, earned $521 million in 2010, filed suit against Rollashoe, LLC in federal court in Chicago, claiming that Footzy Roll will confuse and deceive consumers and dilute Tootsie’s trademarks. 

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