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A lot of 3D printing patents from the 80s and 90s expired between 2010-2020, clearing the way for commercial 3d printers and a million innovations. I’d call them honorary 21st century inventions, since the patent holders squandered the technology in the 90s.
https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/articles/how-patents-die-expiring-3d-printing-patents.html
For context for others, he said this to point a spotlight on the issue.
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/26/business/yourmoney/26every.html