Looking to the Stars - Heuking "launches" focus area Space, NewSpace & SpaceTech
Heuking is leveraging its extensive experience in offering legal counsel on space-related projects and merging it with the firm’s profound expertise in areas of investment, financing, technology and data protection/IT/IP within the space sector, to form a new focus area "Space, NewSpace & SpaceTech".
"Some are venturing to the moon; we are charting a course to the stars with our unique focus group. Space has always fascinated people, sparking exciting legal questions," comments Dr. Johan Schneider, the Managing Partner overseeing the practice groups at Heuking. "We are delighted to intensify our commitment to this pioneering practice within our firm, aiding our clients in navigating the dynamic and progressively competitive space sector."
Heuking has been advising public and private players on space-related projects for over a decade. This includes addressing legal matters pertaining to satellites/satellite constellations, telecommunications, and procurement/contracting. In the recent years there has been exponential growth in the supply and demand for space-related services, driven by advancing technological developments and the demands of digitalization. The emergence of the "NewSpace" economy, anchored in innovative technologies, is predominantly driven by a growing number of private companies and financing from private investors. This development is fueled by the opportunities arising from space-related services that address climate change impacts, the fulfillment of current and future (ESG / Green Deal) compliance requirements by commercial enterprises and issues of security autonomy in Germany and the EU.
For a full-service law firm such as Heuking this presents significant opportunities, especially considering the anticipated introduction of additional legislative measures at both the EU and national levels, potentially as early as 2024 that space players will need to navigate. Offering integrated advice across jurisdictional boundaries allows space players and investors, the opportunity to draw on the broad experience of Heuking's experts in tackling the emerging regulatory challenges and heightened competition. Heuking positions itself as one of the pioneers in Germany by seamlessly integrating expertise across different areas of law for the benefit of the space sector.
"By combining our expertise in different areas of law for the space sector, we see ourselves as one of the pioneers in Germany," says Schneider.
On this basis, the firm advises government institutions, private actors and financiers on legal issues relating to satellites, orbits and frequencies, on investment, participation and financing (including tokenization and cyber assets), IT systems, data protection requirements and cybersecurity, on IP, know-how and licensing, on risk management, liability and insurance, on compliance with German and applicable international law (including ESG and supply chain aspects, sanctions and foreign trade law), on "space service contracts", on procurement and award processes and contracts with government agencies and institutions, on tax issues and on German and international space law applicable in Germany.
Click here to learn more about the new focus area "Space - NewSpace & SpaceTech".
