It won't stop them from using 3D printing to produce furniture, though. It's absurd for the article to say that it will as the only thing it's intended to preve

It won't stop them from using 3D printing to produce furniture, though. It's absurd for the article to say that it will as the only thing it's intended to prevent is protected designs being ripped off. If someone wants to design their own furniture, they'll still be free to do that, as well as make it freely available if they wish.