[michaelfeathers]

Call me pessimistic, but I suspect that the 'Maker Revolution' could bring us a level of legal madness that is far beyond what we have seen in copyright over the past 20 years.

Plans for 3D printing are not only copyrightable, they are subject to patent law. That, and the potential for creation of contraband with 3D printers may lead to online clearing houses for designs that you make and print at home, or strict legislation controlling the use of home printers and sale of items from them.

Beyond that, it is likely that there will be a secondary effect. Right now, you can make just about any item you want to in your wood shop, hobby shop or on your kitchen table, and use it at home or sell it to neighbors or friends. 3D printers may bring much more legal scrutiny to things that pass under the radar as craft today even if printers aren't used.

I want a better future than that, so I hope that people take the initiative to support early safe harbor legislation and exemptions for home projects.

[tarice]

I wouldn't call you pessimistic - more realistic.

I expect that the reaction of the Manufacturing industry's reaction to small-scale Makers will parallel the Recording/Movie industry to file-sharing, as the situations are similar in many regards.

It's very likely to happen, and it'll suck, but like you said, hopefully we get legislation through in time to protect some of the small Makers so they don't get sued into oblivion by the future-RIAA.