Sector »
Aerospace
Commercial aviation
Defence and security
Space and satellites
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Aerospace is an incredibly diverse field which encompasses a broad range of technologies. There is ongoing innovation to improve the efficiency and economy of propulsion systems, so engine and aerodynamics expertise is needed. Material scientists are required to comprehend the lightweight and strong composite materials in use in aircraft. Equally, everything that makes up the interior of an aircraft is also subject to incredible engineering. The manufacturing processes continually evolve, with advances in automation, precision and speed. Communications, navigation and control, media and entertainment, environment and air conditioning, lighting and seating – it really is no stretch to claim that work in the aerospace field covers everything from plumbing to quantum computing. Away from the aviation sector, the defence and space industries are hugely innovative, and we have worked with clients on matters to do with UAVs and vision systems, helicopters, in-air refuelling, satellites, launch vehicles and more.
The aerospace team
Our team consists of over 25 experts in the field who specialise in various aspects of the aerospace industry. This diverse group of professionals is essential for our clients, as the aerospace field encompasses a wide range of sub-specialisations. We have the capability to efficiently and effectively assemble teams to address our clients’ needs, regardless of the specific focus of their innovation within the aerospace industry.
Our firm provides comprehensive guidance to a broad client base, including those with large portfolios, on a case-by-case basis, as well as from a portfolio-level perspective. Specifically, we assist clients based both inside and outside of Europe in understanding the requirements of the European, UK and German patent systems, ensuring that their portfolios are appropriately protected in multiple jurisdictions.
In the aerospace industry, opposition challenges to patents are frequent occurrences. Our team has an outstanding record of success in defending our clients’ patents through the opposition process before the EPO. We leverage our extensive experience in opposition matters to ensure that the prosecution of our clients’ applications takes into account the potential for opposition challenges.
“Aerospace patents cover every aspect of engineering from fluid dynamics to communication theory. It’s an endlessly fascinating field and I’m really proud of the work the aerospace team does.”
Founded by Richard Browning, Gravity has executed over 105 live jet-suit flight events in 31 countries, set up collaborations with search and rescue teams, and the military, as well as trained over 50 clients to fly using the gravity suit both in the US and the UK.
Boult has been working with Gravity since February 2017. Much of our work with Gravity has focused on determining the patentability of, and filing patent applications for, concepts developed under the umbrella of supporting the initial jet-suit invention. These have included improvements to the jet-suit itself, to the chair for landing and take-off.
Gravity is a unique company and the way it commercialises its IP is quite unconventional. This is a brand-new field in commercial or powered flight, and one that is open to imitation, often by relatively untested and unproven technology. Safety concerns of potential copycats are also a real concern, as Gravity wishes to ensure that the new field is developed responsibly and safely and is willing to use IP to assist in this endeavour. To this end we frequently review potential competitors’ activities and advise whether to act in order to protect Gravity’s IP.
Aerospace is an incredibly diverse field which encompasses a broad range of technologies. There is ongoing innovation to improve the efficiency and economy of propulsion systems, so engine and aerodynamics expertise is needed. Material scientists are required to comprehend the lightweight and strong composite materials in use in aircraft. Equally, everything that makes up the interior of an aircraft is also subject to incredible engineering. The manufacturing processes continually evolve, with advances in automation, precision and speed. Communications, navigation and control, media and entertainment, environment and air conditioning, lighting and seating – it really is no stretch to claim that work in the aerospace field covers everything from plumbing to quantum computing. Away from the aviation sector, the defence and space industries are hugely innovative, and we have worked with clients on matters to do with UAVs and vision systems, helicopters, in-air refuelling, satellites, launch vehicles and more.
The aerospace team
Our team consists of over 25 experts in the field who specialise in various aspects of the aerospace industry. This diverse group of professionals is essential for our clients, as the aerospace field encompasses a wide range of sub-specialisations. We have the capability to efficiently and effectively assemble teams to address our clients’ needs, regardless of the specific focus of their innovation within the aerospace industry.
Our firm provides comprehensive guidance to a broad client base, including those with large portfolios, on a case-by-case basis, as well as from a portfolio-level perspective. Specifically, we assist clients based both inside and outside of Europe in understanding the requirements of the European, UK and German patent systems, ensuring that their portfolios are appropriately protected in multiple jurisdictions.
In the aerospace industry, opposition challenges to patents are frequent occurrences. Our team has an outstanding record of success in defending our clients’ patents through the opposition process before the EPO. We leverage our extensive experience in opposition matters to ensure that the prosecution of our clients’ applications takes into account the potential for opposition challenges.
What sets us apart
Our approach to our work with clients goes beyond just drafting and filing patent applications. We build protection for our clients’ patents through a culture of continual learning. We provide education for clients’ in-house teams, for example learning from prior oppositions, to support the drafting process in order that the robustness of future patents can be ensured from the earliest possible stage. We monitor relevant patent practice updates and case law for clients to ensure they are up-to-date with any changes that might affect their portfolio, such as the frequent changes to the EPO guidelines.
Advising a multinational aerospace client on a review of its applications to identify opportunities to expand its portfolio in the space industry. After a detailed review of the objections raised across several cases, a selection of divisional applications was recommended. These have been filed and prosecuted and have resulted in more dense coverage for the relevant technology.
