Orrick IP Lawyers Discuss 3D Printing Industry

3D PrintShow
May.15.2014

Intellectual property senior associate Vann Pearce and managing associate Chris Higgins discussed the legal issues impacting the emerging 3D printing industry in an interview on the 3D Printshow’s website. An excerpt from the interview is included below.

Each company will have different risks depending on its business model and activities. … One important area is the tremendous activity in securing new patents related to 3D printing. … [a] Patent Office official told us that in 2012 they received over 1800 patent applications directly relating to 3D printing – and that number is increasing year by year. This leads to two conclusions: First, if you are involved in 3D printing and you are not protecting your inventions, then you are falling behind. Second, in the future there will be many patents out there that could be asserted against 3D printing companies. We expect to see that happen more and more as the market grows.

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Christopher Higgins Partner, Patents, 3D Printing

Washington, D.C.

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D:+1 202 339 8418
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology & Innovation Sector
Patents
3D Printing
U.S. International Trade Commission
Life Sciences & HealthTech
Intellectual Property
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
IP Counseling & Due Diligence

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Christopher Higgins Partner

Washington, D.C.

Chris has developed a global reputation as an authoritative source on legal issues in 3D printing, and has been a featured speaker at 3D printing events around the world. His 3D printing practice includes advising startups and established 3D printing companies on all aspects of intellectual property law, cybersecurity, and technology transactions. Chris helps 3D printing clients grow their businesses and capitalize on market opportunities and represents them in court to defend or enforce IP rights. Chris' 3D printing work extends beyond the courtroom; he teaches a course at Penn State University as part of its Masters of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design program.

Chris' patent litigation and IPR practice also covers a wide range of other technologies including graphics processing, digital image processing and printing, semiconductor devices and semiconductor manufacturing, data encryption, high-definition television, digital content recognition, and medical devices. Chris has also assisted clients with licensing and patent prosecution related to 3D printing, digital imaging, wireless technology, mobile communication devices, encryption, high-definition television and medical devices.

Prior to law school, Chris worked in the patent department of a medical device company and as an engineer designing electronic components for missiles, projectiles, and bombs.

T. Vann Pearce, Jr. Partner, Patents, 3D Printing

Washington, D.C.

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D:+1 202 339 8696
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology & Innovation Sector
Patents
3D Printing
Intellectual Property
U.S. International Trade Commission
Inter Partes Review (IPR)
Automotive Technology & Mobility

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T. Vann Pearce, Jr. Partner

Washington, D.C.

He also counsels clients on patent licensing, portfolio development, and intellectual property due diligence. Vann co-founded Orrick's 3D printing practice.

In 2022-2023, Vann served as the Chief Practice Officer for the firm's IP & Litigation Business Units, which comprise nearly 400 attorneys globally. His responsibilities included oversight of the units' financial performance, business planning and execution, and lawyer recruiting. Vann also previously served as the firm’s U.S. Law School Hiring Partner, overseeing entry-level hiring nationwide.

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Markets

Washington, D.C.