Copyright In The Age Of 3D Reproduction

The power to create comes with great responsibility. The power to replicate things in 3 dimensions comes with concerns of authenticity, ownership, and copyright law. [Related: What is 3D Printing?]

Walter Benjamin, who wrote about copying art in the early 20th century once said, "Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be." He would be surprised to know that today, you can easily make copies of virtually anything "in time and space." Even the Mona Lisa.

Stocks on the Forefront of 3D Printing

3D Systems (DDD) and Stratasys (SSYS) are at the forefront of the 3D printing technology. 3D Systems, the leading firm in the three-dimensional printing market, has experienced an extremely impressive 11 straight quarters of double-digit revenue growth and has consistently produced a positive bottom-line. Noting its sound financial standing, the firm has acquired over a dozen smaller firms in the past two years to expand its capabilities. 

Their stocks have appreciated dramatically over the past few years. 

3D Printing to the Masses