Monday, 13 July 2020, 9 am BST (10 am CET)

The European Patent Office (EPO) invites you to save the date for the online launch of the Office’s new study entitled ‘Patents and additive manufacturing – Trends in 3D printing technologies’ on Monday, 13 July 2020.

The launch will be preceded by a panel discussion between the President of the EPO, António Campinos, and the Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Christian Archambeau, followed by the presentation of the study by the EPO’s Chief Economist, Yann Ménière.

Often referred to as 3D printing, additive manufacturing is one of the most dynamic technologies reshaping traditional manufacturing and opening up new possibilities across all sectors, especially in the field of medical technologies to support COVID-19 patients. The study from the EPO charts the latest trends, revealing a surge of innovation in 3D printing across multiple industry areas, and identifies emerging leaders in this field. It further shows that Europe is a global hub for innovation in 3D printing.

The study forms part of a four-day digital conference organised jointly by the EPO and the EUIPO on 3D printing and its impact on intellectual property. 

During the conference, experts – ranging from policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors to inventors and patent and trade mark attorneys – will share their experience and perspectives. It promises to be a lively and engaging event for SMEs, researchers, IP professionals, policymakers and business leaders. Among the speakers are Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography, the first commercial 3D printing technology, and Cristian Fracassi, the CEO and founder of Isinnova, who has been described as one of the heroes in using 3D printing technology to fight the pandemic.

To take part, please sign up here: epo.org/3d-printing. By registering, you will be able to submit questions on the presentation given by the Chief Economist.