6th Sep 2023
As discussed in our previous blogs[1],[2], companies working in the space sector, and in particular those who’s inventions are used in space, face additional challenges when it comes to protecting their innovation. This is because, as set out in Article II of the Outer Space Treaty, the fundamental basis for all legal framework in outer space, “Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.” While there are some exceptions due to specific treaties (such as the Intergovernmental Agreement for the International Space Station), in general Article II of the Outer Space Treaty means that patents, being territorial rights, cannot directly cover activity performed in outer space.
7th Jun 2023
Earlier this year, the UK Government’s newly formed Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) published their ‘National Quantum Strategy’. In this blog, we highlight some interesting aspects of the report, and also bring attention to its implementation since publication.
2nd May 2023
Space is a nascent sector in which new opportunities for growth are uncertain. However, space is becoming increasingly accessible.
12th Nov 2021
Although the UK has long contributed to the design and development of commercial and military satellites, these satellites have been launched from locations outside of the UK. However, in recent years there has been a growth in the design, development and launch of so called “Smallsats”. The low mass and form factor of a Smallsat allows a consequent reduction in the size, complexity and cost of launch vehicle required. The use of a polar orbit also provides opportunities for space launches from countries whose land mass is far away from the equator… such as the UK.
12th Oct 2021
At 90, William Shatner will be the oldest person to go to space tomorrow on board “New Shepard”, a reusable suborbital rocket system.
25th Aug 2021
The Artemis Accords attempts to set out an agreed set of principles by which the signatories will act in developing their space programs and presence in outer space. Analysis of the limitations of the current patent framework for space based inventions and how the patent system could adapt to even better serve the needs of those working in the final frontier.
23rd Aug 2021
Examination of the study released by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), on patent filing statistics within the field of cosmonautics.
16th Jul 2021
Earlier this year, NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed on the surface of Mars. While the main objectives of the mission focus around astrobiology and the search for ancient Martian environments that could have supported life (and evidence of former life in these habitats), the rover is also testing out a number of new technologies.