The global space economy involves every aspect of researching, exploring, and making the best use of space. It is a market that is valued at approximately US$423.8 billion.
This figure is sure to rocket with the advent of commercial launch capabilities. However, even though the prospect of commercial space flight gets ever closer, it is only the tip of the space tech industry. Research and development in a range of related technologies is growing equally as quickly, and these include:
- ‘Small’ Satellites, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and NanoSats to provide more secure communication platforms.
- Advanced manufacturing in space using technologies like advanced robotics, 3D-printing, and light-based manufacturing to drive the development of space stations, vehicles, and sensors.
- Innovative communication systems that can transmit and receive data more quickly and more efficiently in space by using lasers and quantum key distribution (QKD).
- Traffic management systems capable of monitoring space vehicles, satellites, and debris to actively predict and prevent potential collisions.
- New ‘clean’ propulsion systems that use electrical energy, more environmentally friendly fuels like hydrogen, oxygen, and even water.
- Activity management solutions employing AI-driven analytics and underpinned by blockchain to help spacecraft, space stations, and control centres coordinate more effectively during missions.
- Mining technologies capable of examining asteroids for valuable resources in deep space.
As in all other areas of technology, there is also an enormous data component to space tech. As innovation in space tech booms, so does the volume and value of the data being collected, analysed, and interpreted. This poses its own problem, particularly in terms of the ownership and security of the data.
PROTECTING THE IP IN SPACE TECH INNOVATION
In any innovation-heavy sector, protecting the intellectual property (IP) at the heart of space tech is vital. Unprotected, you run the very real risk of your competitors infringing, reappropriating, or reengineering your most valuable assets.
In space tech, this process is further complicated by the fact that the areas in which the technology will be used - space or, more specifically, the geostationary, medium, and low-earth orbits - are not currently recognised legal jurisdictions. Until this situation is addressed, as a space tech innovator, you must take the only available route: ground-based protection in the geographic areas in which your inventions will be used before they are sent into space.
This is where Potter Clarkson’s space tech IP team can help.
HOW WILL POTTER CLARKSON'S IP LAWYERS HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR SPACE TECH INVENTIONS?
Our specialist multidisciplinary space tech team is made up of patent and trade mark attorneys and IP solicitors with experience in, amongst other areas, aerospace, software, AI, fuel and energy storage solutions, and communications. They will help you find the most viable way to successfully navigate the complex world of IP rights.
We will make sure your most valuable assets are not only fully protected but also managed in the way that will maximise the commercial value of all your new ideas.
As is so often the case these days, it is highly likely your invention will employ multiple technologies. If it does, we will create a team that combines the best-qualified attorneys from the required scientific disciplines. They have the full support of our IP solicitors, all of whom are experts in finding the safest and most effective way to commercialise your product's route to the market.
Together we will:
- Advise you on the most strategic use of all your IP rights
- Register your patents, trade marks, designs, and trade secrets throughout the world
- Provide patent and trade mark infringement and validity opinions
- Conduct patent and trade mark searches and watches
- Defend your IP rights whether you are attacked via a patent office or court proceedings
- Enforce your rights against competitors infringing your rights
- Draft the commercial, IP, and licensing agreements you need to support your business
- Provide a wider commercial perspective you can use to build your business
If you’d like to discuss how best to protect and commercialise your space tech innovation with our patent attorneys and IP solicitors, please contact the space tech specialists in our engineering team today.
