Aerospace IP Strategy in View of Recent U.S. Patent Office Updates
Aerospace technology companies often decide between patenting an innovation or keeping it as a trade secret. Typically, the analysis involves comparing the potential strength of patent protection that is likely to result. If a strong patent is likely, then it may be worth the risk of divulging the details of the technology to competitors (via publication of the patent application). Recent trends at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), including changes related to challenging issued patents, may affect this analysis for aerospace intellectual property (IP) strategists.
U.S. Government Aerospace Procurement Updates and Implications for Intellectual Property
The U.S. government has recently signaled changes for development and procurement of weapons and aerospace systems. The government has stressed moving faster in procurement and becoming more self-reliant in manufacturing and repair, which may present issues with the proprietary or intellectual property of government contractors. Such contractors should stay abreast of these changes and how they may implicate their proprietary and protected intellectual property in future procurement contracts.
Vertical Aerospace Poised for Piloted Transition Amid Expanding eVTOL Market
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) achieved a milestone in its eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle) development. On November 13, 2025, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted Vertical a “Permit to Fly,” authorizing the final flight-test phase where the aircraft will shift between thrustborne (“helicopter mode”) and wingborne cruise (“airplane mode”). Notably, the first pilot flight of this phase was completed that same day.
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