Organisations in this sector balance confidentiality, regulatory constraints and procurement timelines with the need to protect and commercialise their intellectual property. IP strategy in this sector requires technical depth, but also deep market knowledge.
We have worked with organisations operating in aerospace and defence since the 1980s – advising research institutions, suppliers to Prime contractors, and consultants supporting defence-related projects. We assist with patents, trade marks, designs, licensing, domain names and strategic IP advice, tailored to the commercial and operational realities of this highly specialised sector.
In defence, traditional patent pathways are not always straightforward. Our client’s customers are often limited to the Commonwealth or the small number of major Prime organisations. Commercial outcomes can depend on early expressions of interest – which don’t always align with patent filing timelines – and innovators can be reluctant to file patents early. However, delaying protection can risk losing enforceable rights. We help our clients find the balance with this challenge.
Beyond being technically robust, patent specifications must be defensible and capable of withstanding investigation, challenge or licensing to the most sophisticated stakeholders – military or government. Our patent specifications are expertly drafted, giving them the best possible chance of surviving any challenge, both in Australia and overseas.
In aerospace, patent strategy is equally important, and organisations must manage protection with the need to maintain trade secrets, manage export controls and comply with publication obligations. We work closely with clients to structure patent portfolios that support long-term value while managing confidentiality and regulatory exposure.
Our team have worked across multiple technical areas relevant to this sector, including communications systems, electrical and electronic engineering, thermal and fluid dynamics, materials science, physics, optics, radar and lidar technologies. We also advise on emerging and rapidly evolving areas, including autonomous vehicles, space and satellite communications technologies and micro-satellites.
Technologies in this sector often combine multiple disciplines and raise novel questions around ownership and usage, requiring a broader and more integrated approach to IP protection. Where innovations require multiple disciplines – whether that is leveraging chemistry and life sciences expertise for battery technologies or disputes requiring our legal team – we collaborate across the firm to ensure inventions are fully understood and accurately protected.
In addition to patents and trade marks, we offer integrated support across contentious matters and commercial law – capabilities that are often outsourced by IP firms. This allows us to assist with disputes, licensing negotiations, collaboration agreements and broader commercial arrangements, providing efficient, end-to-end support throughout the lifecycle of your matter.
To keep ahead of developments, our team is actively engaged in the sector – attending major industry events including the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, the Avalon International Airshow and Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition. Our sector involvement enables us to stay ahead of sector developments and deliver advice that is in line with industry realities.
