Print your own counterfeit trainers: Is 3D piracy closer than we think?

'Stealing' trainers by downloading a blueprint then covertly printing out a 'copy' at home may seem like the work of science fiction.

But the concept could be a reality sooner than we think.

Last week file-sharing site The Pirate Bay introduced a new category called 'Physibles' designed to allow people to share physical objects for download via 3D printing technology. Home 3D printers to 'print out' objects already exist.

Copyright group the Anti-Counterfeiting Group said that if this becomes widespread, 'Everything would go out the window. You would need another law.'

Last week file-sharing site The Pirate Bay introduced a new category called 'Physibles' designed to allow people to share physical objects for download via 3D printing technology

People would simply steal 'designs' then 3D printers would create the objects, 'printing' 3D objects using plastics.

So far, printers are able to print out solid plastic models, rather than complex objects such as trainers.

'I see a big future for 3D printers in personal-scale applications that will unfold over the next decade,' said Hod Lipson, a Cornell University associate professor.

'When you unleash this capability to make physical objects in any shape or form, the implications are tremendous.'

He predicted that users would be able to 'download your own sneakers within 20 years.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2094986/Print-counterfeit-trainers-Is-3D-piracy-closer-think.html