IP Spotlight - December 2025

The is unmistakeable: between 2003 and 2023, the number of US patent applications grew by 144%. By comparison, the overall number of patent applications filed at the USPTO between 2003 and 2023 increased by only 37%[11]. longer-term trend, however,

China: Volume Leader, Global Reach Since 2011, China has emerged as the strongest challenger to US leadership. In just a few years, China’s filings have risen steeply, and by 2018, Chinese entities accounted for over half of global space patent families. From 2000 to 2023, China led with over 38,000 patent families, boasting a growth from 33.3% of patent filings between 2000–2019 increasing to 17.6% between 2020– 2023. However, about 95% of these filings are submitted only domestically, with only about 5% of Chinese-origin patents are filed abroad, indicating that while China dominates in sheer volume, its filings remain largely confined within its national borders [12], limiting global influence. Growth stems largely from universities and research institutes, often transferring rights to state-owned enterprises like the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Fastest-growing areas of Chinese patent activity includes propulsion, automation and robotics, and spacecraft structures.[13] China’s patent surge in space-related patenting reflects its determination to establish technological leadership across key domains of the sector. Yet, the largely domestic focus of its patent filings raises questions about translation of this innovation into international impact. As China internationalises its IP strategy, it could reshape the global space innovation landscape of space innovation over the coming decade.

Emerging Players We are now seeing an important emerging trend, notably the diversification beyond aerospace primes, with increased filings in telecommunications and satellite technologies. This shift underscores the growing role of communications and satellite operators driving technological development in the space sector.

Key newer entrants include:

Echostar Corp Viasat

Huawei Ericsson

Earlier EPO findings emphasised propulsion technologies as the clear leader in patenting activity, but our current data highlights a shift in the innovation landscape. toward automation and circularity (e.g., reusable systems), with a 15% CAGR from 2000–2023, accelerating post-2014. Factors like expanding satellite constellations, increasing demand for secure and high-bandwidth communications, and integration with terrestrial systems are driving this surge in intellectual property activity.

24 | wrays.com.au