So, is the idea here to provide copy protection for 3D printing files? Or to control the use of a program through licensing and copyrights, like buying apps for a phone for example? From the way the article is written, it sounds like some one wants to put use controls on generic manufacturing processes (machining, rolling, stamping, welding, printing, etc.) verses just protecting IP content of a design.
I read it to mean protecting the IP of the design of a rapid prototype/3-D printer manufactured part, not controlling the manufacturing technique.
There’s already a whole herd of patents on the various 3-D printing techniques and materials formulations.