Aerospace Update | June 2026
Applied Aerospace & Defense’s IPO Signals Continued Momentum in Defense Manufacturing Jacob S. Etling Ongoing geopolitical tensions are leading to an increase in defense-tech contractors filing for IPOs. Aerospace &...
Knobbe Martens, Dozens of Partners Receive Top Rankings in IP Law in Legal 500 USA Guide
IRVINE, Calif., June 11, 2026 – Knobbe Martens, a leading intellectual property law firm, is proud to share that the firm and three dozen lawyers received national and regional recognition...
From Waste to Resource: Lunar Wastewater Systems Highlight Emerging Space Infrastructure and a Growing Multi-Use IP Landscape
Key Takeaway: As space exploration moves toward longer-duration missions and sustained human presence, the need for closed-loop systems for water, waste, and air is driving innovation in space infrastructure. These...
Does the USPTO Issue “Secret Patents” on Aerospace Innovations?
Key Takeaways: Despite periodic mentions by aerospace innovators of “secret patents,” this author is not aware of any evidence of such patents. There may be confusion with “Secrecy Orders,” which...
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...
Invisible but Invalidating: Undisclosed Functionality Still Triggers On-Sale Bar
DEFINITIVE HOLDINGS, LLC v. POWERTEQ LLC Before Moore, Dyk, and Cunningham. Appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Utah. Summary: A third-party sale of a product...
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...
Veteran Ventures Capital Announces Investment in Hybron Technologies as Hybron Technologies Closes $25M Seed Round
Key Takeaways: Hybron Technologies, a U.S. based Manufacturing company focused on lightweight composites for aerospace and defense applications, closes an oversubscribed $25M seed round. The increased need for domestic production...
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...
Corresponding Structure for a Means-Plus-Function Limitation Need Only Perform the Claimed Function, Not Other Unclaimed Functions
Richard Gramm, et al. v. Deere & Company Before Lourie, Reyna, and Cunningham. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa Summary: Disclosure of an additional function...
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...
