ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS AN IMPEDIMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORA- TIVE EARTH OBSERVATION MISSIONS?

摘要

Earth observation technologies and their applications are a developing sector of space industry due to the recognition of the benefits of using earth observation data and derivative products. Nevertheless, the best ways to protect this type of data has not yet been found and this uncertainty affects international cooperation in the field of earth observations. The paper analyses how differing regulations regarding information protection may shape earth observation cooperation among countries. He research is arranged in three parts: theoretical, applicational and analytical. In the theoretical part, the norms of copyright laws, as well as regulations regarding freedom of information are assessed. The applicational part presents some international earth observation cooperation agreements. The analytical part is an assessment of whether and how the differences among various national regulatory mechanisms influence the negotiation and implementation of such agreements.