3D Systems Vs. Formlabs Lawsuit Dismissed

Big news for Formlabs this evening. Word is coming to us that 3D systems has agreed to dismiss with prejudice the patent violation lawsuit they had initially filed approximately two years ago. After lengthy discussion between Formlabs and the 3D printing giant, the sides agree to dismiss the case. The exact terms of the dismissal have not be publicly disclose, and perhaps never will be, but this should be a boost for Formlabs. More details on this lawsuit and the its dismissal can be found here: http://3dprint.com/28069/3d-systems-lawsuit-formlabs/

What do you guys think? Will this lead to a widespread adoption of SLA technology within new machines? Will this help prices come down?

http://3dprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/aw.png

About time!!!

This turn of events is great for the whole market.

After finally seeing "Print the Legend" last weekend, I can say this is really great news. Hopefully, energy will go to more collaboration and less in-fighting. The next generation is poised to take 3D printing's helm-with guidance. Great news.

Word is that they owe 3DS 8% royalties. Ouch! The other SLA machine & kit makers should be looking over their shoulders pretty soon now.

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Originally Posted by JRDM

Word is that they owe 3DS 8% royalties. Ouch! The other SLA machine & kit makers should be looking over their shoulders pretty soon now.

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I should have known there was a big catch--8%! There always is... That makes more sense since 3D Systems didn't seem like they were keen on dropping the lawsuit.

I just found more information: 8% of net sales according to an SEC filing:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/d...f8k_120314.htm

Patents in the suit, according to the filing:
http://www.google.com/patents/US5554336
http://www.google.com/patents/US5569431
http://www.google.com/patents/US5609812
http://www.google.com/patents/US5609813
http://www.google.com/patents/US5762856
http://www.google.com/patents/US5779967
http://www.google.com/patents/US5785918
http://www.google.com/patents/US5814265

I haven't read through them yet. Patents probably being good until 2017, some not expiring until 2019, this is probably going to be a long slog for businesses offering SLA-based products. It looks like a lot of those apply to laser scanning and DLP-based SLA systems.