The Protection Of Intellectual Property Rights In Outer Space Activities

This book considers the intellectual property issues which are raised by space activities. While outer space itself remains out of reach for most of us, the results of space activities and developments from space technology are becoming ever-more integrated in our daily lives. Despite this, there is often little understanding of the importance of space technologies, how existing legal rules may apply in terms of protecting the technology, or whether legal protection, such as copyright, may be enforced if the unauthorised use takes place beyond conventional territorial borders in outer space.

Outer space affords a unique physical environment in which to conduct experiments. The most widely appreciated characteristic of the space environment is that of microgravity. Outer space also provides a sterile setting not easily or inexpensively achievable on Earth. The electromagnetic and radiation levels too differ significantly from those on Earth. These and other natural attributes of outer space make it a potentially attractive environment for the conduct of experiments, which will lead to inventions in a wide range of high technology fields. This unique environment is increasingly accessible to experimenters and inventors at costs which are commercially attractive. The Mir Space Station as well as NASA Shuttle Flights already provide opportunities for experiments to be conducted in outer space. When the Multi-National Space Station is established there will be even greater numbers of experiments and research projects conducted there. Outer space also presents a unique legal environment for these activities. Recognizing this, and the uncertainty surrounding a number of central legal issues which will result from such activity, this book sheds light on the incidental legal questions that arise. Based on the papers presented at a conference on the topic in Paris, the book examines patentability and intellectual property infringement, as well as contractual issues and related topics. Also included are papers on the liabilities that arise out of activities in outer space, the relevant jurisdictional considerations, and the growing commercialization of space activities in the United States and in Europe.

The potential use of space for military purposes has, since the end of the Second World War, been intrinsically linked to the development of space technology and space flight. The political relevance of outer space continues to be recognised by nations, and in particular the strategic benefit of Earth observation from outer space remains an important national security tool. However, because of the dual-use potential of many space applications, the distinction between the military and non-military uses of space is becoming increasingly blurred. The consequent potential for conflict between nations in order to protect their space assets is alarmingly clear.The outer space arena has, however, evolved to increasingly include non-state entities, which are becoming more and more involved in outer space activities. These activities currently comprise the use of satellites for navigation purposes, the transportation of supplies to the International Space Station and the offering of tourist flights into outer space. Today in all space-faring countries, the space industry contributes to national GDP and supports the labour force. It also serves as a catalyst for technological advancement and productivity growth, and has become an integral part of the day-to-day lives of people all around the world.The involvement of private actors in outer space has, however, given rise to a number of legal issues, including questions pertaining to liability, insurance and property rights in space. The current outer space treaties are to a large degree outdated and unable to deal with legal issues arising out of the military and commercial use of outer space.Outer Space Law: Legal Policy and Practice is aimed at readers looking for a single title to understand the key issues relevant to the space sector, with an emphasis on the practical application of those issues. The book will be specifically relevant to legal practitioners, academics and state departments primarily working in the space arena, as well as to those in other related sectors such as IT and media, insurance and political science. Edited by Yanal Abul Failat, lawyer at the international law firm LXL LLP, and Professor Anél Ferreira-Snyman, a professor of law specialising in international space law at the University of South Africa, the book includes contributions by leading experts from space agencies, space venturers, lawyers, economists, insurers, academics and financiers.

The legal regime of outer space, as enshrined in the Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (General Assembly Resolution 1962 (XVIII), adopted in 1963, and in the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, while prohibiting the appropriation of space by any means, envisages exploration for the bene?t and in the interest of all countries on a basis of equality and in accordance with international law. Freedom of scienti?c investigation is also contemplated. Elaborating on these instruments, the Assembly in 1996 adopted the Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (RES 51/122), in which it called for heightened international co-operation, with part- ular attention to be given to the bene?t for and the interests of developing countries and countries with nascent space programmes. Thus, it is self-evident that the outer space regime, including the 1972 Liability Convention, envisages the conduct of national activities “for the bene?t and in the interests of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scienti?c dev- opment”. In this regard, Article 6 of the 1967 Treaty not only provides for national activities in outer space, but for international responsibility whether such activities are carried out by governmental agencies or non-governmental entities, and aims at ensuring that national activities are conducted in conformity with the Treaty.

"Private entities, investing billions of dollars, as a matter of reasonable commercial corporate expectations, want to be protected against undue use, exploitation and copying of their technology and inventions which they have put into their space ventures (often termed as 'theft') by any third party. States, to secure an environment friendly to such generation, use and transfer of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in outer space, have initiated applying and/or extending their national IP laws into outer space either in form of a statute or a multilateral agreement. This may have both commercial and political significance." --

The Handbook of Space Law addresses the legal and regulatory aspects of activities in outer space and major space applications from a comprehensive and structured perspective. It fundamentally addresses the dichotomy between the state-oriented characte

This book assesses the present status of space activity regulation against the background of the progressive commercialization of outer space. The basic legal framework for outer space activity was established during a time when space endeavour was still in its infancy and a critical reassessment of its principles therefore forms the basis of this publication. The outcome of this analysis and the legal implications which result from applying it to practical space utilization yield an insight into the legal questions pertaining to space commercialization and its practical implementation. "Commercial Utilization of Outer Space" will be of great interest to academics and practitioners in the field of space activities, as well as to government policy makers in different sectors of space commercialization ranging from space transportation, satellite communication and remote sensing to space insurance and manufacturing in outer space. Wherever appropriate and feasible practical aspects have been dealt with against the background of present-day realities and developments foreseen for the future.