The Need for Global or Reciprocal Patent Protection for the Commercialisation of Technologies Discovered or Utilised in Outer Space

Paper number

IAC-05-E3.3.07

Author

Mr. Ricky J. Lee, Ricky J. Lee & Associates, Australia

Year

2005

Abstract

One of the legal innovations in recent centuries that have been regarded as having been crucial to the technological advancement that exists today has been the availability of patent protection.  Indeed, without patents allowing for a temporary monopoly to be given to inventors and entrepreneurs, many things one now takes for granted may not have been created.  This is particularly the case with the contemporary space industry.  With the large sums being invested into research and development of space technologies, much of the motivation may be attributed to the prospect of commercial gain through patent protection.

The application of international and domestic patent protection law to technologies discovered or utilised (exclusively) in outer space has been demonstrated to be somewhat inadequate.

This paper reviews the nature and extent of patent protection that exists today for technologies discovered or utilised in outer space and proposes some solutions with varying degree of realistic implementation that will extend greater patent protection for such technologies.

Abstract document

IAC-05-E3.3.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-E3.3.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.