ASCEND 2026

Sterne Kessler’s Graham Phero will speak at the ASCEND 2026 conference hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The event brings together the global space community to drive real, actionable outcomes.

On May 20, 2026, Graham will participate in the panel, “Safeguarding Innovation in the Space Economy; A Technical Discussion of Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets & Patents.” The session will examine the role of intellectual property in enabling innovation across the space sector, from patents and trade secrets to the challenges of protecting IP in a global (and beyond) environment. Panelists will discuss enforcement considerations, the impact of public-private partnerships, and best practices for both startups and established organizations. The session sits at the intersection of law, technology, and commerce, offering practical insight into how IP strategy shapes the future of space innovation.