COMMERCIALIZATION OF SPACE AND PATENTING STRATEGY

AUTHOR – SOMNATH SURESH UNDE, STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SOMNATH SURESH UNDE, COMMERCIALIZATION OF SPACE AND PATENTING STRATEGY, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1022-1000, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230.

ABSTRACT

One of the most significant changes in the current technological environment is the commercialisation of space.  A new era of economic potential is being fostered by the growing private sector investment in space research and infrastructure development, which were formerly controlled by government entities.  Satellite deployment, space tourism, resource mining, and the creation of space-based infrastructure and technology are just a few of the many operations that fall under the broad purview of the commercial space industry.  Private businesses confront particular opportunities and problems in relation to intellectual property (IP) strategy as they continue to push the limits of space exploration. IP strategy is essential for maintaining competitive advantage, encouraging innovation, and guaranteeing long-term profitability.

IP strategies need to handle a number of different concerns in the context of space commercialisation.  First, there are complicated issues around who owns intellectual property created during space research.  The special difficulties of space, like international collaboration, data or invention ownership from joint missions, and the commercialisation of space resources, were not initially addressed by traditional intellectual property laws.  Since governments and businesses may collaborate to exchange proprietary data or create technology, the growing trend of private-public cooperation makes IP ownership even more complicated and need clear agreements that specify IP rights.

Additionally, space commercialisation offers chances to use IP in new ways.  For instance, businesses can use spin-offs, joint partnerships, or licensing agreements to profit from their discoveries.  The exchange of intellectual property assets is anticipated to grow into a substantial source of income as the sector develops.  Furthermore, given the global breadth of space activities, IP portfolios may offer access to international markets, thereby broadening the area of business endeavours and increasing potential revenue.

Keywords: Satellite deployment, Invention ownership, Space tourism, Resource mining.