Products Liability Firms Use 3D Printing to Manufacture Evidence

Law firms are now finding ways to make use of the 3D printer -- a technology that was once considered gimmicky. Then it became the centerpiece of the gun debate and organ growing.

A number of enterprising law firms have utilized 3D technology in their products liability practice. These machines bring a new twist to the term "manufacturing evidence."

Products Liability 101

In the world of products liability law, it's bad news for companies to manufacture products that are "unreasonably dangerous." Defects are either actual physical flaws in the product like a missing screw, or a defective design like a car with no seat belts, or a defective label that failed to warn of the dangers. Considering this world, it's easy to see how 3D printing might find a purpose for litigators.

How an Arizona Firm Uses 3D Printing

As noted by Above the Law's Niki Black, the large Arizona firm Fennemore Craig has used 3D printing technology to create "improved prototypes" of products that are allegedly defective in design. This operation involves hiring a team of engineers to improve upon the existing model. The prototype can then be presented to opposing counsel, or if required, be admitted to the body of evidence if a case should reach trial.

Fennemore Craig's use of 3D printing technology for products liability is not unique in the industry. Law firms have already contracted out the service to outside companies and make use of their products. One example is Lawyer Made, a San Rafael firm.

Potential Savings in Money and Time

The hiring of engineers to build a safer model at marginal cost to the consumer sounds expensive, and it is. But the strategy is highly effective for keeping cases out of court, or at least that's the thought. Although, it may be the case that having a 3D printer on site may not be the most cost effective option for many firms.

Editor's Note, October 26, 2015: This post has been updated to attribute Above the Law's Niki Black with the initial publication concerning the use of 3D printing in Biglaw.

Related Resources:

• 3D Gun Printers Take Their Case to the Fifth Circuit (FindLaw's Fifth Circuit)
• 3D Printing May Lead to 'Physible' 3D Piracy (FindLaw's Technologist)
• What Is the Undetectable Firearms Act? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)