2015 Copyright Symposium
3D Printing: Copyright and Other Intellectual Property Implications for Libraries
As with many new technologies, 3D printing has the potential to profoundly change the way we live. A number of libraries are already offering 3D printing services allowing patrons to bring digital files to create physical objects at the library. At the same time as creating opportunities, however, 3D printing raises challenges for libraries – especially challenges involving copyright and other intellectual property rights. Come join this day-long symposium to explore the legal implications of 3D printing for libraries, and how we can adapt to the nuanced issues raised by these technologies.
Presented by the OLA Copyright Users’ Committee with special guest Harj Mann of the law firm Anissimoff Mann.
Event Information
Friday December 4, 2015
Hart House, University of Toronto:
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H3
9:00am – 5:00pm
Registration Fees
Member $100
Non-Member $150
Student $35 (limited spaces)
Registration opens Monday October 5
| 8:30-9:00 | Light Breakfast and Networking | |
| 9:00-9:15 | Welcome | Copyright Users’ Committee |
| 9:15-9:45 | 3D printing Services at Toronto Public Library Dawn will provide an overview of the 3-D printing and makerspace services available at TPL’s Digital Innovation Hub. See a live demonstration of a 3-D printer to help us kick off the day. | Dawn Connolly, Librarian, Toronto Public Library |
| 9:45-10:45 | Copyright and TPM Issues Related to 3D printingWhat kinds of risks do libraries assume in providing space and 3-D printing technology for patrons to create, invent, tinker or copy physical objects? Can libraries be held liable for indirect or secondary infringements? What are the rights that users have under the Copyright Act to reproduce copyrighted 3-D designs? This session will explore the provisions in the Copyright Act that are relevant to these issues and examine court cases interpreting the provisions. | Mark Swartz, Copyright Specialist, Queen’s University Michael Ciccone, Executive Director, Centre for Equitable Library Access |
| 10:45-11:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00-11:30 | Trademark Protection and 3D printing 3-D printing introduces intellectual property issues libraries traditionally have not faced. Trademark can be challenging because it differs from copyright in that there are no legislated users’ rights. This session will review trademark in the context of 3D printing and provide examples to help participants understand the challenges. | Sam Cheng, Copyright Coordinator, Sheridan College |
| 11:30-12:00 | 3D Printing and the Roles of Signage and FormsMany libraries offering 3D printing services have developed signs and forms to try to limit liability in connection with these offerings.This session will examine the limitations of those forms and signs for such purposes, explore language that may aid in their effectiveness for appropriate purposes, and shed light on related issues. | Margaret Ann Wilkinson, Professor, Director of the Faculty of Law IPIT Area Western University |
| 12:00-1:00 | Lunch (provided) | |
| 1:00-2:30 | Patent law and 3D printing As a form of disruptive technology, 3-D printing democratizes innovations and manufacturing for the average consumers. Infringing patents is a concern raised by some aspects of 3D printing. Participants will learn about the potential challenges related to patent law posed for libraries offering 3D printing technology and services | Harj Mann, Managing Partner, Anissimoff Mann Barristers & Solicitors Margaret Ann Wilkinson, Professor, Director of the Faculty of Law IPIT Area Western University |
| 2:30-2:45 | Apple Cider Break | |
| 2:45-3:45 | 3D Printing in the Industrial Design Space and the Potential for Public Domain Industrial design registrations protect the ornamental or distinctive visual elements on mass produced products (e.g. distinctive condiment or perfume bottles).Learn more about this law in Canada and why, rather than limiting the public domain in Canada, it can contribute to it, reducing the range of risks inherent in providing 3D printing services. | Victoria Owen, Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Scarborough Margaret Ann Wilkinson, Professor, Director of the Faculty of Law IPIT Area Western University |
| 3:45-4:00 | Closing |
