But What About Space Inventions?

Did you know that US patent law worries about space inventions? Congress has written provisions into statute that account for activity in space. So, if you find yourself floating around in US-controlled space, rest assured that patent law has not forgotten you. For instance, 35 U.S.C. 105 states:

(a) Any invention made, used, or sold in outer space on a space object or component thereof under the jurisdiction or control of the United States shall be considered to be made, used or sold within the United States for the purposes of this title, except with respect to any space object or component thereof that is specifically identified and otherwise provided for by an international agreement to which the United States is a party, or with respect to any space object or component thereof that is carried on the registry of a foreign state in accordance with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

(b) Any invention made, used, or sold in outer space on a space object or component thereof that is carried on the registry of a foreign state in accordance with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, shall be considered to be made, used, or sold within the United States for the purposes of this title if specifically so agreed in an international agreement between the United States and the state of registry.

I’m guessing that there are plenty of other statutes which define space activity so that it can be regulated. Know of any?