Space and Aviation
Our space lawyers and aviation lawyers are consistently at the forefront of innovation and are heavily involved in technology and other associated sectors across the UK.
The UK and Scotland are making great strides towards creating an end-to-end space value chain, and innovation and change are at the heart of the space, satellite, and aviation sectors. However, the laws and regulations that govern them are also constantly changing. While this brings great opportunity for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, it can also increase risk.
Navigating the complexities of law and regulation in the aviation and space sectors, our multi-disciplinary teams offer expert legal and commercial advice to clients operating in these areas.
From ensuring regulatory compliance, obtaining finance, and negotiating commercial agreements, to risk management and dispute resolution, we can help you achieve your objectives.
Our experience in assisting clients in the space, aviation, and tech sectors – from startups to multi-national businesses in national and international matters – makes us well-placed to assist you with your needs.
Some of our recent experience includes:
- Advised the Scottish National Investment Bank on the £16.7 million investment into the UK spaceflight company Orbex.
- Advised a major UK Airport on a new solar project, which involved: construction of an airside Solar PV farm with batteries; offtake/PPA between the airport operator and the generator; and the installation of a new electric vehicle charging network.
- Acted for satellite broadband provider Bigblu Broadband on the negotiation of its commercial satellite partnership agreements with satellite owners, advising on pricing and rebate mechanisms.
Our expertise includes:
- Contract negotiations: drafting and negotiating contracts for satellite launches, partnerships, and technology transfers, ensuring favourable terms and risk management
- Regulatory compliance (including health and safety): assisting clients in navigating domestic regulations that govern space and aviation activities
- Intellectual property and data protection: protecting clients’ technological innovations; managing trademarks and copyright specific to space and aviation-related technologies; assisting with any cross-border data transfers; and the management of personal data
- Dispute resolution: offering arbitration, mediation, and litigation services for sector-specific disputes, including liability issues and contractual disagreements
- Risk management and insurance: advising on risk assessment and appropriate insurance coverage, addressing potential liabilities and financial exposures
- Immigration and employment: advising on the hiring and retention of staff, as well as assisting with visa requirements
- Planning, consent, and leases: drafting and negotiating leases for commercial facilities, and assisting with planning applications
- Corporate governance, finance, and tax: advising startups on appropriate corporate governance and securing funding, and assisting larger companies with securing additional investment and finance
- Procurement/competition law: acting for clients before national regulators and intra-governmental agencies
With our breadth of expertise, no matter is too simple or too complex.
Related articles and insights: Space and Aviation
14 March 2024
Subsidies in Space
Contributor: Ruairidh Leishman
In January, the Competition and Markets Authority’s Subsidy Advice Unit published their report assessing the UK Space Agency’s plans for a subsidy scheme that will help firms based in Great Britain to develop their satellite communications capabilities.
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