Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing (3DP) as it is more commonly known is a rapidly developing emerging technology. This project provides an opportunity to be involved in the research into 3D Printing, particularly from the point of view of the intellectual property implications surrounding (a) mass customisation and (b) scanning technology.

Traditional mass customisation is highly profitable but provides limited flexibility for customising individual objects. 3D Printing enables mass customisation, where consumers are presented with an ‘incomplete product’ which they can customise before it is completed.

The proliferation of accessible scanning capabilities leading to real-time photogrammetric and cloud-based data processing, which will eclipse the more traditional laser-scanning solutions, will also have an effect on product design and intellectual property implications.

As such, the project will explore both the Intellectual Property implications associated with these aspects of the technology. Collaborating with Econolyst Ltd, with 20 years experience in the field of 3D printing will further enhance this project whilst giving the candidate a placement opportunity within Econolyst Ltd during the course of the project.

The project brings together experts from the fields of Intellectual Property Law, Product Design and Industry. The project will be carried out under the principal supervision of Dr. Dinusha Mendis, Associate Professor in Law and Co-Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Management (CIPPM) at Bournemouth University. The supervisory team will also consist Dr. Tania Humphries, Associate Dean and Head of Department, Product Design and Engineering; and Dr. Phil Reeves, Managing Director and Principal Consultant, Econolyst Ltd. 

Contact: Dr Dinusha Mendis - email: dmendis<στο>bournemouth.ac.uk

All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2:1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Additionally, successful candidates must have an honours degree and/or an appropriate Master’s degree in Product Design or Intellectual Property Law.  

HOW TO APPLY Please complete the BU Research Degree Application 2014 and submit it via email to the School Research Administrator: Denise George - bsresearch<στο>bournemouth.ac.uk by 5 January 2015. Further information on the application process can be found at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/phd2014

Please note that the University will be closed from 1 pm on 24 December 2014 until Friday 2 January 2015. Enquiries received during this period will be responded to when the University re-opens on Monday 5 January 2015.