Katy Perry case points to need for law reforms  »

Katy Perry's legal case against a 3D printing artist highlights the need for the reform of Intellectual Property (IP) laws due to the rise of 3D printing technology, according to Australian National University (ANU) legal expert Professor Matthew Rimmer. The pop star is suing sculptor Fernando Sosa for trying to sell a sculpture based on a dancing shark, the Left Shark, from her Super Bowl XLIX halftime show that became an internet sensation. Professor Rimmer, from the ANU College of Law, said Katy Perry's copyright claim to the Left Shark was doubtful. "The costume is merely a useful article. The internet meme of the Left Shark belongs to the public domain," he said. Professor Rimmer has called for a reform of IP laws to avoid a rise in similar cases as 3D printing becomes more commonplace. "There are tensions arising between those that are using 3D printers and established industries concerned that it might impact upon their IP," he said.