According to new data, the industry is set to reach $57.1 billion by 2028—surpassing earlier 2050 forecasts. This surge not only reflects increased adoption but also a stronger legal foundation surrounding 3D printing intellectual property. With regulatory updates accelerating innovation and offering new protections for designers and businesses, 3D printing intellectual property is finally catching up with the pace of technological change.
3D Printing Market Leaps 22 Years Ahead of Forecasts
The latest industry research shows a 14.2% increase over previously estimated long-term growth. Marks & Clerk’s 2020 whitepaper predicted the industry would be worth $50 billion by 2050, but new projections suggest it will exceed that by 2028. The leap forward reflects growing demand, rapid adoption of metal 3D printing, and improved legal clarity.
Legal Breakthroughs Reshape the IP Landscape
Much of this unexpected growth is driven by legal reform. The European Union revamped its registered design system as of May 1, 2025, explicitly protecting non-physical assets like 3D print files, graphical user interfaces, and animations. This means companies can now legally block unauthorised copying or sharing of digital designs.
Additionally, since July 2022, the European Patent Office has allowed patent protection for additive manufacturing software, giving rights holders a new level of control over their innovations.
Expert View: IP Is No Longer Playing Catch-Up
“3D printing is no longer a future-facing technology – it’s a commercially viable, IP-secured and regulation-supported industry,” says Susan Bradley, Partner at Marks & Clerk.
Her insights highlight the importance of legal frameworks in unlocking innovation across sectors - from agriculture and aerospace to interior design. With fewer legal grey areas, companies can now innovate with greater confidence and protection.
Updated Whitepaper Offers Actionable Guidance
The new whitepaper, 3DP/IP 2025: From Design to Download, outlines key developments in IP strategy, material innovation, and sustainability. It also provides practical tips for navigating cross-border IP law, protecting digital assets, and scaling globally. The report urges companies to treat IP as a central pillar in their growth strategy.
Why Legal Protection Is Now a Business Imperative
As 3D printing intellectual property laws mature, businesses must proactively protect their designs and processes. Neglecting IP protections can lead to lost revenue, copycat designs, and weakened investor confidence. The latest reforms provide tools for building competitive, scalable, and resilient businesses - especially for startups and SMEs in the additive manufacturing space.
Conclusion: A New Era for IP and 3D Innovation
From regulatory advances to record-breaking growth, 2025 marks a turning point for the 3D printing industry. Stronger 3D printing intellectual property laws are enabling businesses to thrive, innovate, and scale with confidence. As the digital and physical worlds merge, IP protections will remain central to securing the future of manufacturing.
