3D printing and housing: Intellectual property and construction law

This chapter explores the potential use of 3D printing technology for housing construction. While additive manufacturing technologies have been increasingly utilised across a range of industry, the use of 3D printing in construction is still in its infancy. Despite this early stage in development, the technological opportunities and impending disruption to the status quo are clear. The chapter begins with an examination of the types of 3D printing technologies deployed in the construction industry. It then proceeds to consider the interplay of intellectual property issues such as copyright, design law, patent law, trademark law and trade secrets around 3D printing in construction. The chapter then presents an analysis of the regulatory landscape around potential 3D printed housing projects. It focuses on the impact of the technology on legal frameworks touching on the construction process in Australia. A conclusion is presented at the end of this chapter pointing to further research areas in both intellectual property and building regulatory issues presented by the deployment of 3D printing in housing construction.