Global IP Trends in the New Space Race
The Commercial Space Boom
The global space sector is skyrocketing, experiencing explosive growth as a second space race unfolds. Once dominated by government-led missions, the modern space race is now fuelled by private enterprise, venture capital, and bold innovation.
Space is now big business with estimates the global space sector globally is valued at a record $613 billion in 2024, and projections it could exceed US$1 trillion by 2040[1], according to Morgan Stanley.
Behind this surge lies an equally aggressive race to protect intellectual property (IP). The global patent filing activity in the field of space-related technologies (or cosmonautics) reveals a rapid rise in commercialisation activity in this domain since 2010, growing from a base of approximately 200 new patent family filings each year between 1990 and 2010, and a rapid rise of approximately 2200 patent filings per year between 2010 and 2017.
Australia’s Launchpad: A Rising Contender
Australia is not taking a back seat in this race. With its remote geographic location, clear skies for launches, highly educated workforce, and open regulatory regime, Australia holds key comparative advantages that position it favourably for space-related investment.[2]
In response, the Australian government has established a Space Infrastructure Fund and set an ambitious target aimed at building an Australian space industry worth A$12 billion per annum by 2030.[3] While Australia still lags global leaders in patent filings, its trajectory is upward, and its startups are making bold moves on the global stage.
Who’s Leading the Innovation Space Race?
United States: Still the Innovation Powerhouse
Backed by the world’s largest civil space budget (over US$20 billion annually), the United States continues to lead global space patent activity.
A report published by the European Patent Office,[4] shows patent filings in space-related sectors grew four-fold from approximately 500 patent families[5] in 2007 to over 2,000 in 2017.
More recent data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reveals even stronger growth: From 2000 to 2023, global patent families in space technologies exceeded 67,000, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% overall and 15% from 2010 to 2023[6]. This acceleration reflects the rise of private companies and intensified international competition.
American patent applicants are also active internationally, accounting for around 32% of European patent filings in this sector.[7]
Traditional Aerospace vs. Emerging Players
For decades, patent activity in the U.S. space sector was dominated by aerospace companies who focused on propulsion, spacecraft control, and structural technologies.[8]
Top players included:
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- Honeywell
- Raytheon
- Aerojet Rocketdyne
The EPO report predates the prominence of players like SpaceX and Blue Origin, but updated analysis[7]from the US Patent and Trade Mark Office and our own analysis of the cosmonautics subject matter classification (IPC and CPC code B64G) and selected sub-categories[9] shows the US patent landscape continues to grow, with 17,000 patent families from 2000 to 2023.
Recent trends do indicate a minor slowdown, with a CAGR of 1.4% from 2000–2019 dropping to –1.1% from 2020–2023, however, small businesses, universities, and nonprofit organisations now account for over 40% of US space patents, up from historical levels, with 16% receiving federal support – seven times the national average[10].
The longer-term trend, however, is unmistakeable: between 2003 and 2023, the number of US patent applications grew by 144%. By comparison, the overall number of patent applications filed at the USPTO between 2003 and 2023 increased by only 37%[11].
Emerging Players
We are now seeing an important emerging trend, notably the diversification beyond aerospace primes, with increased filings in telecommunications and satellite technologies. This shift underscores the growing role of communications and satellite operators driving technological development in the space sector.
Key newer entrants include:
- Echostar Corp
- Viasat
- Huawei
- Ericsson
Earlier EPO findings emphasised propulsion technologies as the clear leader in patenting activity, but our current data highlights a shift in the innovation landscape. toward automation and circularity (e.g., reusable systems), with a 15% CAGR from 2000–2023, accelerating post-2014. Factors like expanding satellite constellations, increasing demand for secure and high-bandwidth communications, and integration with terrestrial systems are driving this surge in intellectual property activity.
China: Volume Leader, Global Reach
Since 2011, China has emerged as the strongest challenger to US leadership. In just a few years, China’s filings have risen steeply, and by 2018, Chinese entities accounted for over half of global space patent families. From 2000 to 2023, China led with over 38,000 patent families, boasting a growth from 33.3% of patent filings between 2000–2019 increasing to 17.6% between 2020–2023.
However, about 95% of these filings are submitted only domestically, with only about 5% of Chinese-origin patents are filed abroad, indicating that while China dominates in sheer volume, its filings remain largely confined within its national borders [12], limiting global influence.
Growth stems largely from universities and research institutes, often transferring rights to state-owned enterprises like the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Fastest-growing areas of Chinese patent activity includes propulsion, automation and robotics, and spacecraft structures.[13]
China’s patent surge in space-related patenting reflects its determination to establish technological leadership across key domains of the sector. Yet, the largely domestic focus of its patent filings raises questions about translation of this innovation into international impact. As China internationalises its IP strategy, it could reshape the global space innovation landscape of space innovation over the coming decade.
Australia: The Emerging Player?
Compared to global leaders, Australia does not yet rank as a major player in the space patent landscape. Key jurisdictions represented in European patent filings[14] include the United States, China, Japan, Germany, France, South Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom, with Australia absent from top lists. European filings to date show no significant Australian contributions, suggesting innovations may occur through collaborations and joint projects (e.g., with ESA or NASA), or remain in early stages.[15]
Australia’s space industry may be smaller than the U.S, only having a dedicated Space Agency since 2018, yet it is growing fast. Our own internal analysis[16] of patent applications in Australia reveals an upward trajectory in Australian space-related filings between 2013 and 2023. These statistics for Australian patent filings are characterised by year-to-year volatility, including periods of both acceleration and decline, potentially indicating some initial uncertainty and growing pains as corporate players extend their operations into the fledgling Australian space industry. From 2000 to 2023, Australia recorded 504 patent families, with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2000–2019 but a decline of -8.5% from 2020–2023.
Overall patent filings in Australia decreased 3.3% to 30,478 in 2024, but transport-related patents (potentially overlapping with space) grew 12.8–13%, driven by areas like energy storage. Homegrown startups like Fleet Space Technologies hold 82 global patents (78% active as of 2025), focusing on satellite IoT and communications.
This pattern suggests that while sentiment toward Australia as a base for space-related innovation is broadly positive, the country has not yet achieved consistent recognition as a critical jurisdiction for intellectual property protection in the global space sector.
Leading applicants in Australia are predominantly overseas entities, particularly from the USA, indicating a recognition of Australia’s strategic advantages in securing rights within the Australian patent system, whether due to its geographic position, or its growing space infrastructure and workforce. This recognition has not yet been mirrored across other global space powers, whose presence in Australian filings remains comparatively limited which could indicate the significance of formal international partnerships such as the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) (2005); the Australia-US Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty (2007); and the AUKUS security partnership (2021).
Resident filings (e.g. by Australian SMEs or universities) are smaller but growing, with a 9.8% increase in resident applications from 2003 to 2023, potentially including space technologies like lightweight materials or optical systems. Australian organisations like CSIRO (45 filings in 2017) and universities such as University of Queensland contribute to space innovations, particularly in photonics and quantum technologies for satellite sensing.
Future Trends: Where Innovation is Headed
The pace of innovation in space technologies shows no signs of slowing, with patent trends over the next decade are likely to mirror the surging private investment in the sector. Private companies and Australian startups are advancing research in propulsion, autonomous satellites, and advanced materials, heralding a new wave of patent activity. As private funding grows and the sector broadens beyond traditional aerospace – toward sustainable propulsion, automation, and communications – we anticipate increased activity and increasing diversity in technology areas.
Emerging Technology Areas to Watch
- Satellite Servicing and On-Orbit Maintenance: Patents in autonomous docking, repair robots, and refuelling technologies will likely spike, as companies look to extend the lifespan of expensive satellite assets.
- Asteroid Mining and Resource Extraction: Intellectual property covering extraction methods, robotic mining, and material processing in microgravity could become a key competitive differentiator.
- In-Space Manufacturing: 3D printing and modular assembly in orbit are attracting attention, with patents expected in both machinery design and novel manufacturing processes.
- Orbital Debris Mitigation: With increasing satellite congestion, technologies for debris tracking, removal, and collision avoidance are poised to see rising patent activity.
Australia’s Growing Role
Australia’s strategic location, supportive space policies, and growing space ecosystem make it an attractive destination for foreign R&D investment. As international companies seek to file patents closer to emerging markets and collaborate with local universities and SMEs, Australia could see a surge in co-filed or PCT-based patent applications. This trend positions the country not only as a contributor to global space innovation but also as a hub for cross-border IP collaboration.
Final Thoughts and Tips
With the US leading but showing recent slowdowns, China surging in volume (though domestically focused), and Australia’s profile rising amid volatility, strategic patenting offers a competitive edge.
IP Takeaways for Innovators:
- Monitor trends like the shift to sustainable and automated technologies.
- Leverage high-allowance jurisdictions for efficient protection.
- Consider international filings to maximise global reach.
In this competitive and rapidly evolving industry, informed and strategic IP management ensures that your innovations remain protected while your company reaches for the stars.
[1] Ibid. [2] Australian Space Agency, Advancing space — Communications technologies and services — Roadmap 2021 – 2030, p. 4. [3] Australian Communications and Media Authority, Market study — Australian space sector, p. 2. [4] European Patent Office, Cosmonautics — The development of space-related technologies in terms of patent activity. [EPO: Cosmonautics]
Ibid, p. 14.
[5] European Patent Office, Cosmonautics — The development of space-related technologies in terms of patent activity. [EPO: Cosmonautics] [6] https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/wipo-technology-trends-technical-annex-future-of-transportation-in-space/en/global-patent-trends.html [7] EPO: Cosmonautics; Ibid, pp. 18–21. [8] EPO: Cosmonautics; Ibid, pp. 29–31. [9] [Wrays Internal Searching]: Search Parameters: aic=(B64G* or F03H000100* or F02K000962 or H04B0007185* or H04B0007204 or H04B000719* or H04W008406 or H01Q000128 or H01Q0001288) and cc=(us) and (ay>=(2013) and ay<=(2023)). [10] U.S Patent and Trademark Office, Office of the Chief Economist, privatising the Space Economy, January 2025 [11] Ibid. [12][EPO: Cosmonautics], pp. 18–21. [13] EPO: Cosmonautics; Ibid, pp. 29–33. [14] EPO: Cosmonautics; Ibid, p. 18. [15] Ibid, pp. 18–21. [16] Search Parameters: aic=(B64G* or F03H000100* or F02K000962 or H04B0007185* or H04B0007204 or H04B000719* or H04W008406 or H01Q000128 or H01Q0001288) and cc=(au) and (ay>=(2013) and ay<=(2023)).
About the Authors
Dr Phil Burns is a Principal Patent Attorney with over 20 years of experience. He works with a wide range of clients, from individual inventors to multinational organisations, securing IP in fields such as photonics, bio-photonics, optical physics, laser technologies, software and medical devices.. With a background in optoelectronics and a PhD in physics, Phil focuses on ensuring strong patent protection and successful prosecution across international regimes.
Davin Mai is a Patent Attorney with a double degree in Engineering (Hons) and Science from the Australian National University. Prior to entering the intellectual property field, he contributed to research in biomedical engineering, systems engineering, and renewable energy systems, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of technology and real-world applications. Davin also has experience in HVAC system design and energy efficiency evaluation. Passionate about innovation, he helps clients, from start-ups to large corporations, navigate the commercialisation process and protect their ideas.
If you would like to make an inquiry into protecting your own cosmonautic technologies, please contact Wrays. Our team can assist with patent strategy, filings, and portfolio management tailored to the space sector.