5. 3-D Printing the 19th Century

The article's focus is the use of modern 3-D printers to build objects patented in the previous century. The one that the article points out as chiefly responsible for this business is Martin Galese, a lawyer who previously worked with patent violation cases. Galese takes objects archived in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and converts them into 3-D models that can be printed with a 3-D printer. Galese believes that these forgotten patents are works of art, and many would go to waste if they remained archived. He also points out that the patents that he uses have long since expired, and are legally free for public use. The article also mentions the bad rap that the patent system has, for causing many court battles between tech firms, or making what the article refers to as "patent trolls", who exploit the system's protection for cash. Galese believes that the patent system's archives should be seen as a rich depository for fresh ideas, and tries to make objects be simple and charming, with a link to the past.

The article starts by comparing him to the scientists of the "Jurassic Park" film, and it makes several allusions to the film throughout the article. The article seems to place Galese in a good light, though it doesn't outright praise his efforts. The article ends with another Jurassic Park reference, but it's a little confusing, and not everyone might understand it. The article also contains an interactive image, which can display the original sketch and the newly-made 3-D model of an ancient pottery-scraper. There are many links to other websites and images for better explanation as well, which aid the reader's curiosity.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/02/3-d-printing-the-19th-century/