International Patent Activity and Government Policies in the Aerospace, Defense & Security Industries

Written by: Shloka Raghavan

Patent activity in the aerospace, defense, and security industries decreased during 2024, Army Technology reports. The story references statistics from GlobalData that the “global aerospace, defense & security industries experienced a 25% decline in patent filings in Q3 2024 compared with the previous quarter.” Further, “[p]atenting activity was driven by the U.S. with a 26% share of total patent filings.”

The U.S. share was the largest (with China close behind at 24%) and may be due in part to domestic government policies. A story by Space Insider reports that the U.S. appears to take a more market driven approach to aerospace patents, citing a January 2025 study published in Economics and Management Innovation. The study “spotlights how U.S. patent policy supports commercial space enterprises through open market access, technology transfer, and government contracts.” The U.S. policy since the early 2000s reportedly “has encouraged private-sector involvement in space.”

As a result, the approach taken by the U.S. may be more successful in encouraging patent filings than approaches taken in other countries, such as European countries and China.

There are several reasons for this outcome. The study published in Economics and Management Innovation notes the European approach favors “long-term policy frameworks and international cooperation.” However, this may be less successful in encouraging patent filings than the U.S., despite incentives provided by various European countries, due at least in part to “Europe’s regulatory complexity and decentralized approach.”

China has taken a different path than the U.S. and Europe. Space Insider notes that the Chinese government focuses on providing subsidies, tax breaks, and state-led initiatives in the aerospace sector. Patent filings are encouraged by financial rewards, such as a 25% corporate tax reduction for patent holders. However, most patent filings by Chinese companies are domestic due to cost considerations. As a result, while the volume of patents in China is high, “long-term protection and international competitiveness are still developing.”

In summary, Space Insider notes that “as commercial space activity accelerates, the ability to protect and leverage intellectual property will become increasingly critical. Companies operating internationally will have to navigate these diverse patent landscapes to secure market position and long-term growth.”

The full story by Airforce Technology can be found here.

The full story by Space Insider can be found here.