In a recent episode of The Space Hour podcast, Knobbe Martens partner Tom Cowan offered insights on the unique intellectual property (IP) challenges facing “dual-use” aerospace companies – those technology innovators serving both commercial and government markets in the United States. He delved into how these companies must navigate complex IP regulations to protect their innovative technologies and maintain competitiveness in both markets.
Cowan, a former aerospace engineer at a major government contractor and current Chair of Knobbe Martens’ Mechanical Engineering Practice Group, shared how treatment of IP rights can differ between the government and commercial regimes. Given the regulatory landscape, he discussed strategic approaches to maximize value in both regimes with patent filing and licensing strategies.
He also discusses secrecy orders for technology having national security implications, government contractor immunity for patent infringement, and how the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s recent policy changes making invalidation of granted patents more difficult have prompted greater interest in re-exams and post-grant reviews.
Listen to the full interview on “The Space Hour” podcast here.
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