It’s a question that needs an answer, and it looks as though the copyright and intellectual property rights issues this question poses are getting some high profile attention. Good. 3D Systems Corporation (NASDAQ: TDSC) plans to sponsor and participate in ‘3D/DC: 3D Printing Comes to the Nation’s Capital,’ on April 28, 2011 in the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.

‘3D/DC’ is the idea of Public Knowledge, a Washington, D.C. based public interest group working to defend citizens’ rights in the emerging digital culture. This is the group that put out the paper It Will Be Awesome If They Don’t Screw It Up, a lawyer’s discussion of intellectual property pitfalls possible with this industry.

Public Knowledge is joining with 3D Systems and others to educate policymakers on the transformative power of 3D content-to-print and the policy issues that this disruptive technology raises. This could well be a good thing. Rapid prototyping/additive manufacturing is finally achieving some buzz, which could translate into greater sales. The last thing this industry needs are legal obstacles that obstruct its proliferation.

3D/DC will include panels and 3D printing demonstrations allowing policymakers to experience this technology first hand, and speak one-on-one with leading providers.

3D Systems, the developer of SLA, one of the first additive manufacturing technologies, plans to exhibit its affordable Bits from Bytes portfolio of RapManTM and BfB™ 3000 3D Printers and Kits.

Stay tuned to see what develops.

Leslie