Aerospace Update | May 2026
Proposal for Streamlined U.S. Regulatory Approval for Novel Commercial Space Activities Tyler S. Cox Office of Space Commerce (“OSC”) has released a proposal for streamlining regulatory approval of novel commercial...
Applied Aerospace & Defense’s IPO Signals Continued Momentum in Defense Manufacturing
Key Takeaways: Ongoing geopolitical tensions are leading to an increase in defense-tech contractors filing for IPOs. Aerospace & defense companies looking to capitalize on this trend should consider strengthening their...
Dozens of Knobbe Martens Partners Recognized in 2026 IAM Patent 1000 Guide
IRVINE, Calif., May 28, 2026 – Knobbe Martens, a leading intellectual property law firm, and its partners were once again recognized for excellence across patent law in the 2026 edition...
eVTOL Takes Flight: Navigating Certification, Regulation, and IP in Advanced Air Mobility
Key Takeaways: eVTOL aircraft are moving toward real-world deployment, but certification remains a critical hurdle alongside early operational programs like the FAA’s eIPP. As companies advance in parallel, careful coordination...
Aerospace Update | April 2026
Space Force Awards Kratos $447 Million Contract for Missile Warning Tracking Lizzy T. Do & Scott Cromar Kratos wins $447 million contract with U.S. Space Force to develop a ground...
Proposal for Streamlined U.S. Regulatory Approval for Novel Commercial Space Activities
Key takeaways: The U.S. Office of Space Commerce (“OSC”) has released a proposal for streamlining regulatory approval of novel commercial space activities. The process includes a presumption of approval with...
Tom Cowan Discusses IP Issues Relevant to “Dual-Use” Aerospace Technologies on The Space Hour Podcast
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...
U.S. Issues Guidance for American Space Nuclear Power Initiative
Key Takeaways: A recently issued U.S. National Initiative encourages collaboration between the federal government and the private sector to accelerate the development and deployment of space-based nuclear power systems. Private...
Aerospace Update | March 2026
Proposed UAH-ASKA Agreement for Drive-And-Fly Aircraft: IP Ownership Issues in Joint Development and Public-Private Partnerships Ningxi Sun The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and aerospace company ASKA have agreed...
Space Force Awards Kratos $447 Million Contract for Missile Warning Tracking
Key Takeaways: Kratos wins $447 million contract with U.S. Space Force to develop a ground management system supporting missile-detecting satellites. This initiative highlights Space Force’s partnerships with industry and underscores...
FAA Consolidates Commercial Space Launch and Reentry License Approvals
Key Takeaway: A new FAA rule simplifies licensing for space launch and reentry operations. Less red tape may speed innovation in space technologies, as well as the development of associated...
War in Iran Spotlights Innovation for Missile Interception Startups
Key Takeaways: The war in Iran is likely to accelerate innovation for defense technology companies. Innovation is particularly needed to develop low-cost missile interception technology. While established defense technology companies...
Proposed UAH-ASKA Agreement for Drive-And-Fly Aircraft: IP Ownership Issues in Joint Development and Public-Private Partnerships
Key Takeaways: The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and aerospace company ASKA have agreed to explore collaboration on a drive-and-fly aircraft. The proposed joint development exemplifies the need for...
Aerospace Update | February 2026
The Next Era of Aerospace Advancement: AI Optimizing Operations, Safety, and Strategy T. Tyler Golian & Vlad Teplitskiy AI has become a buzzword synonymous with transformation, revolution, and innovation. Some industries are...
Scope of Government Contractor Immunity From Patent Infringement Further Defined in Mars “Ingenuity” Helicopter Appeal
Key Takeaway: Government contractors who infringe third party patents while performing work “for the Government” and “with the authorization or consent of the Government” are immune from liability for the...
Staking Claims Among the Stars: Patent Protection in the New Space Economy
Key Takeaway: Due to the lower barrier to entry to space, companies that file patents in this developing field now will not only protect their investments but secure an early,...
Thinkorbital Seed Round and IP Considerations for In-Orbit Technologies
Key Takeaway: The funding is the latest example of growing space tech innovation, with implications for regulatory and standards development, as well as for IP issues in protecting off-Earth technologies....
The Next Era of Aerospace Advancement: AI Optimizing Operations, Safety, and Strategy
AI has become a buzzword synonymous with transformation, revolution, and innovation. Some industries are closer to effectively implementing AI solutions than others, due to the nature of their work and...
Aerospace Update | January 2026
Gogo Launches 5G Air-To-Ground Network, Amidst Legal Headwinds Sashank Krothapally Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) announced on December 29, 2025, that its 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity network is ready to serve...
Airbus Americas Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemption on Aircraft Parts Amid Upcoming Trade Deal Review and Industry Growth
In a recent letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, as reported by Mexico Business News, Airbus Americas CEO Robin Hayes warned that U.S. tariffs on aircraft parts...
Gogo Launches 5G Air-To-Ground Network, Amidst Legal Headwinds
Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) announced on December 29, 2025, that its 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity network is ready to serve customers in North America. After successful completion of in-flight testing...
