EnvisionTEC Launches Lawsuit Against Formlabs

EnvistionTEC recently launched a lawsuit against Formlabs, maker of the popular Form series of desktop stereolithography additive manufacturing (AM) systems. The lawsuit seeks, “…injunctive relief prohibiting Formlabs from continued infringement as well as remedies in the form of monetary damages for past and current infringement.” EnvisionTEC claims Formlabs has infringed on at least two copyrights, and has released the following statement about the suit.

"EnvisionTEC has been inventing, developing, manufacturing and selling 3D printers, materials and other related technologies and services for nearly 15 years. Today, we hold numerous patents around the world covering a variety of our 3D printing products, methods and more. This intellectual property was researched and developed over many years by our innovative team of professionals and is invaluable to our business serving a variety of medical, professional and industrial markets around the world. We are committed to aggressively protecting our intellectual property in accordance with the laws of the countries in which we operate."

Legal woes are hardly new ground for Formlabs, which has previously defended against similar accusations by 3D Systems. That particular squabble was resolved when Formlabs agreed to pay royalties to 3DS in the amount of 8% of net sales for an undisclosed period of time. The legal skirmish between was even featured in the 3D printing documentary Print the Legend.

EnvisionTEC’s statement doesn’t point a finger at any particular system.

Below you’ll find the original Kickstarter video for Formlabs.

Source: EnvisionTEC