Jeffrey Farrow spoke with IAM about how advances in AI could influence the way companies protect their most valuable intellectual property. In an article examining SpaceX’s selective use of patents and reliance on trade secrets, Jeff explains that as AI makes it easier to model, simulate and reverse-engineer technology, companies may need to be even more deliberate about what they patent and what they keep confidential. For businesses like SpaceX, he sees a hybrid approach taking shape: patent technologies that can be reconstructed, while continuing to protect manufacturing methods, software, operational know-how and proprietary data as trade secrets. It’s an interesting look at how the IP playbook may evolve as technology advances and global competition intensifies.
