Come February of 2014, a slew of selective laser sintering patents held by 3D Systems (DDD -3.45%) will be expiring. The last time key technology patents associated with 3-D printing expired, it sparked the open source movement that spawned the consumer-oriented 3-D printing revolution. In the video below, Fool.com contributor Steve Heller goes into detail about the patents, what their expiration could mean for the industry at large, and what it will likely mean for both 3D Systems and Stratasys (SSYS -1.83%), parent of MakerBot.
You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More
Expiring Patents: What 3-D Printing Investors Need to Know
NYSE: DDD
3D Systems

Come February of 2014, a slew of selective laser sintering patents held by 3D Systems will be expiring. Here’s what you need to know.
Fool contributor Steve Heller owns shares of 3D Systems. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems and Stratasys. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems and Stratasys and has the following options: short January 2014 $36 calls on 3D Systems and short January 2014 $20 puts on 3D Systems. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Stocks Mentioned


*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.
Related Articles





Premium Investing Services
Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.