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Space Law/Aviation/Aerospace,
Intellectual Property

Feb. 25, 2026

Protecting the final frontier: Patent strategy in the 2026 US space race

As private and government activity in orbit expands, clarity in patent strategy is increasingly necessary, and recent U.S. policy shifts reflect a more innovation-focused approach to space-sector IP.

Melissa E. Patterson

Member of Intellectual Property Practice
Dickinson Wright PLLC

See more...

Protecting the final frontier: Patent strategy in the 2026 US space race
Shutterstock

Technology in the U.S. space sector is rapidly advancing, accelerating both commercial development and national-security-relevant innovation. As private and government actors expand activities in orbit, clear legal frameworks are increasingly necessary to promote commercialization while addressing national security concerns. One area where the need for clarity is especially pronounced is intellectual ...

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