Sterne Kessler advises innovative startups, government contractors, Fortune 500 companies, and research institutions driving advancements in aerospace and defense technology. As the industry shifts from traditional government agency dominance to private sector development, we represent clients that are passionate about developing transformative technologies. Whether your innovation operates under water, in earth’s atmosphere, or in space, our Aerospace and Defense industry team has the legal and technical experience necessary to protect, commercialize, and maximize the value of your inventions.
Our patent attorneys and patent agents have extensive experience developing and enforcing high-value intellectual property portfolios for companies in the aerospace and defense sectors. Our team includes aerospace engineers and aviators who have developed and protected industry-leading jet engines, avionics, and military vehicles. We represent clients developing a wide range of aerospace and defense technologies, including:
- Aircraft designs
- Avionics
- Propulsion systems
- Launch systems
- Aerospace structures and materials
- Autonomous flight systems
- Aviation safety systems
- Satellite platforms
Comprehensive IP Solutions for Aerospace and Defense Innovation
We combine our passion for aerospace and defense technologies with deep technical expertise and decades of experience in every aspect of IP law to help clients turn their advanced technologies into revenue generating assets. Our services include:
- Patent application drafting and strategic prosecution
- Patent portfolio development and management
- Freedom to operate and patentability analysis
- Litigation (district court, International Trade Commission, Patent Trial and Appeal Board)
- Licensing
- Due diligence
- Navigating compliance with ITAR/EAR restrictions
Representative Experience
Our recent representative experience includes:
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications for a global leader in aircraft fire fighting operations
- Preparing freedom to operate and invalidity analyses for a major manufacturer of aviation and defense aircraft, including business jets, turboprops, and military trainer and special mission platforms.
- Drafting a patent application for a company specializing in cutting edge additive manufacturing for aerospace products
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications for a company developing emerging electric air vehicles
Awards & Rankings
- Top 5 Law Firm, Patent Filings in Space Connectivity/Space-Based Internet – Parola Analytics, Top Technology Trends Report (2026)
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