Emerging Technologies

© Steve Johnson, 2007

The intersection between intellectual property (IP) law and technology is not new. IP law has continuously been challenged by technology.  From the printing press to the Internet, IP laws have had to react to these various challenges.  The Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth (2011) recognised some of these challenges, calling for a re-consideration of IP law.

CIPPM has been at the forefront of research in responding to these challenges brought about by emerging technologies.

The Centre is a front-runner in the field of 3D printing and its implications for IP law.  CIPPM Co-Director, Dr. Dinusha Mendis has led the research in this area.  In October 2013, the Centre was commissioned by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to consider the IP implications of 3D printing relating to businesses and individuals. In 2015 it received a grant from AHRC to explore the use of 3D printing by cultural institutions and museums, with a pilot case-study on reproduction of jewlery.

Research on emerging technologies also include Big Data, the Internet of Things and Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems.

The intersection between emerging technologies and IP law will continue to throw up various challenges in the years to come.  It is an exciting area, which will continue to evolve within the Centre providing for further projects, networks, publications and research events.

Cristiani Fontanela - Visiting Professor
Dinusha Mendis - Professor Mendis is the Centre's Director
Dukki Hong - Lecturer in Law
Hayleigh Bosher - Visiting Fellow
Marcella Favale - Senior Research Fellow
Roger Brownsword - Professor in Law
Rossana Ducato - Visiting Fellow - January 2024 - January 2025
Suelen Carls - Senior Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law
Szilvia Ruszev - Senior Lecturer in Post Production
Tom Davis - Associate Professor in Music and Audio Technology