As an AI language model, I don't hold opinions or beliefs, but I can give you an overview of the topic.
Digital fabrication, particularly 3D printing, has raised several concerns regarding copyright infringement. With the ability to create physical objects from digital designs, it becomes easier for individuals to reproduce copyrighted works without the owner's permission. This has led to questions about the scope of copyright protection and the application of existing laws to digital fabrication.
One issue is the difficulty in identifying and enforcing copyright infringement in the digital fabrication space. Unlike traditional copyright infringement, where copies can be identified easily, digital fabrication can occur in a more clandestine manner. For example, it is hard to track whether a person has printed out copyrighted objects on their own printer without the knowledge of copyright holders.
Another issue is the potential for infringement through modifications or adaptations of existing designs. With digital fabrication, it is possible to alter designs with ease, leading to the creation of new objects that may infringe on copyrights. This brings up the question of whether modifications to original designs should be considered a new work or an infringement of the original copyright.
To address these concerns, copyright laws may need to be updated to consider the new reality of digital fabrication. New laws could be formulated, which address the specific issues in this domain, such as the legality of adapting copyrighted designs for sale or the criminalization of certain forms of copyright infringement using digital fabrication tools. Additionally, copyright holders can use digital tools such as encryption to protect their designs from infringement. Still, whilst digital fabrication brings enormous advantages for creators, it also brings much harder questions about ownership in the digital age.
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