Guangdong's 3D Printing Output Value May Reach 27 Billion Yuan by 2025! Overseas Intellectual Property Training Exchange Event Successfully Held

Home > News

October 18, 2025 News 129

Guangdong's 3D Printing Industry Set to Generate 27 Billion Yuan in Revenue by 2025, with 18 Billion from Overseas Markets

The total revenue of 3D printing enterprises in Guangdong Province is projected to reach 27 billion yuan by 2025, with nearly 18 billion yuan originating from overseas. The overseas market serves as a primary battleground and key market for many 3D printing manufacturers, particularly those in the consumer-grade segment.

Guangdong's 3D Printing Industry Overseas Data & Intellectual Property Training Successfully Concludes in Shenzhen

On the afternoon of October 17, 2025, the "Guangdong 3D Printing Industry Overseas Data Intellectual Property Training," guided by the Guangdong Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office), hosted by the Institute of New Materials of the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, and jointly supported by multiple units including the Shenzhen Standards and Technology Research Institute, the Guangdong Intellectual Property Collaborative Operation Center for Laser and Additive Manufacturing, Shenzhen Guotai Optical Valley Technology Co., Ltd., and Nanjixiong 3D Printing Network, successfully concluded at Tian'an Cloud Park in the Guangming District of Shenzhen. Held against the backdrop of frequent intellectual property disputes in the 3D printing industry, this thematic event was like a "timely rain," attracting dozens of executives, R&D leaders, and legal personnel from 3D printing companies across Guangdong. It is potentially the first domestic intellectual property event specifically focused on the overseas expansion of the 3D printing industry.

This training moved beyond theoretical discussion, directly addressing the most urgent pain points and anxieties enterprises face during overseas expansion. It provided crucial intellectual property "arming" and risk "early warnings" for Guangdong's 3D printing companies on their global journey.

Case Study: A Shenzhen 3D printer manufacturer paid a $280,000 settlement and recalled its inventory due to an external design patent infringement.

Intellectual Property Shifts from 'Cost' to a 'Necessity' for Survival and Competition

Presentation: Niu Jiangbo from the Shenzhen Standards and Technology Research Institute shared 'From Data to Asset: How Data Intellectual Property Empowers High-Quality Development in the 3D Printing Industry.'

As Chinese 3D printers ship nearly 5 million units annually through online platforms and offline channels, with over 80% sold overseas, domestic manufacturers are no longer facing competition merely in markets and products, but also in the博弈 of rules and laws. Intellectual property, especially data intellectual property, is the 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over the heads of expanding companies. Used well, it is an unstoppable spear and shield; ignored, it can be the storm that capsizes the ship. A leading Shenzhen-based 3D printer manufacturer is currently embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit with a foreign competitor, incurring significant financial and human resource costs.

Recent overseas litigation faced by peers has made some 3D printing manufacturers apprehensive. However, limited understanding of complex international IP rules often leaves them feeling helpless. This training provided a valuable opportunity for systematic learning and face-to-face consultation.

From Concept to Combat: The Offensive and Defensive Battle of 3D Printing IP Overseas

The training agenda was meticulously structured, delving deeper layer by layer:

Laying the Groundwork: Experts began by systematically outlining the definition of data intellectual property and its unique manifestations within the 3D printing industry. This helped participants clearly recognize that digital models, printing parameters, and process databases are core intangible assets requiring urgent protection.

A Cautionary Tale: A case study highlighted a well-known 3D printing platform that was collectively sued by copyright holders after users uploaded models of "anime characters." The result was the platform paying $500,000 in joint compensation and removing 23,000 models.

Strategic Analysis: The core segment focused on specific infringement risks and countermeasures during global expansion. Using numerous real-world cases, speakers analyzed potential patent traps, trade secret disputes, and compliance boundaries for using open-source projects in markets like Europe and the US. A legal representative from a 3D printer manufacturer noted: "Our understanding of 'infringement avoidance' was previously vague. Today, we learned how to establish 'firewalls' throughout the entire R&D process and the critical first and second steps to take upon receiving a cease-and-desist letter from abroad. This is crucial."

Featured Presentations: Chen Yihua, an IP expert with practical experience in US 337 patent investigations, shared insights on "The Offensive and Defensive Strategies of 3D Printing IP in Global Markets."

Additionally, Lam Ho Sang of the Hong Kong Productivity Council presented on "Setting Sail with 3D Printing Innovation: Jointly Promoting New Quality Productive Forces."

Participants also visited Shenzhen Guotai Optical Valley Company, which offers end-to-end services from small-batch 3D printing verification to mass production of millions of units.

The successful execution of this training sends a strong signal: under the active guidance of relevant government departments in Guangdong, forces from industry, academia, research, and application are collaborating to "clear mines and remove obstacles" for the development of strategic emerging industries. This was not merely a one-time knowledge dissemination but a critical step in building a healthy and sustainable global ecosystem for Guangdong's 3D printing industry.

Confronting the vast opportunities and challenges of the global market, 3D printing enterprises that internalize intellectual property as a core corporate strategy and developmental gene will be better positioned to stand firm in international competition and achieve steady, long-term success. We will continue to follow and support this process, navigating the winds and waves together with our industry peers toward the blue ocean.