John Hornick is an Intellectual Property attorney and consultant in the 3D printing space. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, turns a 3D digital model created on a computer or with a 3D scanner into a physical object, allowing users to make almost anything. 3D printing is a disruptive technology with far-reaching implications for manufacturers, consumers, and intellectual property owners. While 3D printing technology enables manufacturers to make complex designs, rapid prototypes, and final parts in different ways, it also allows almost anyone to re-create any existing product design and make, use, or distribute it without permission from the original creator. Almost anyone who owns rights in product designs may be affected by 3D printers.