On April 21, 2016, Hunton & Williams LLP announced the launch of a cross-practice 3D printing team to advise clients as they explore this revolutionary technology. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is being adopted by manufacturers in many industries, including consumer products, aviation, energy, medical, prosthetic and transportation, and is becoming integrated into the production process.
“We are very excited about this new team,” said Maya M. Eckstein, head of the firm’s intellectual property practice group and 3D printing team leader. “We are formalizing work we have been doing since the emergence of this transformative manufacturing process, and we are poised to advise on the new legal issues arising in 3D printing in intellectual property, product liability, compliance, regulatory, insurance, tax and other areas.”
The retail industry is poised to be impacted by this technological development, as questions arise regarding the sale of 3D printed products and ensuing products liability, intellectual property, insurance and other risks.
Drawing on the talents of a multi-practice group of lawyers already assisting clients with these matters, the 3D printing team at Hunton & Williams will give clients an advantage as they consider the opportunities presented by using 3D printing in their operations. In addition to Eckstein, the team includes partners A. Todd Brown for litigation and products liability matters, Eric J. Hanson for intellectual property issues, Brian L. Hager for corporate concerns, Rita Davis for tax-related litigation issues, and Walter J. Andrews and Michael S. Levine for insurance and reinsurance advice.