Mar 26, 2018 | By Benedict
Last week, we learned that Desktop Metal had filed a patent infringement lawsuit against fellow metal 3D printing company Markforged. Markforged has responded, saying it “categorically denies” the allegations and will respond with its own court filing.
The Markforged Metal X 3D printer is at the center of a legal battle
In what was easily the most significant piece of 3D printing news last week, the lawsuit alleges that Markforged used Desktop Metal’s patented technologies on the Metal X 3D printer, specifically technologies relating to support structure breakaway.
The relevant Desktop Metal patents, numbers 9,815,118 and 9,833,839, were first put to use in Desktop Metal’s Studio and Production 3D printing systems. In its legal complaint, Desktop Metal compares the patented technology to apparently similar technology used in Markforged's Metal X 3D printer.
In an official statement last week, Desktop Metal CEO Ric Fulop said: “We believe Markforged products clearly utilize technology patented by Desktop Metal and we will do what is necessary to protect our IP and our company.”
Desktop Metal is seeking significant damages from Markforged.
But Markforged has since responded to those allegations, denying any wrongdoing and promising to respond with its own court filing.
Greg Mark, founder and CEO of Markforged, said:
I founded Markforged in my kitchen six years ago. I dreamt of giving every engineer the ability to 3D print real, functional, mechanical parts. We invented something that had never existed before — a continuous carbon fiber 3D printer. Our Metal X product is an extension of that platform.
We’ve come a long way. We now have the most advanced technology platform in 3D printing, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team of engineers have accomplished.
On Monday, a competitor filed a lawsuit against us, including various far-fetched allegations. Markforged categorically denies these allegations and we will be formally responding shortly in our own court filing.
Markforged is a thriving business with a dedicated team of passionate people, and we’re going to continue to execute and deliver amazing products to our customers.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments in the Desktop Metal vs Markforged case.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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Markforged countersued Desktop and Ricardo. Claims are that they stole Markforged info instead. Looking at court docket now desktop wants more time.
Rick James wrote at 5/4/2018 12:30:08 AM:
It's unfortunate this happened, I'd like to see both companies do well. Naturally since they're doing the same things in metal printing there will be cross-over of ideas, including part separation layer. Markforged is good for people who don't have deep pockets but still need high-quality 3D metal printing. While Desktop Metal is more ideally suited for mid-to-large size companies, so imo they're not really competing directly with each other. But clearly, since MF is cheaper, DM probably sees it is a direct threat. It will be interesting to see how this plays out but I'd still prefer both companies are around-competition is good for everyone.
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