Skip to Content
Martensen IP Martensen IP
Call Us Today! 719-417-8709
Icon Aircraft Case Study

Innovator in Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft Relies on Martensen IP to Protects its Large IP Portfolio

California-based Icon Aircraft is pushing the limits of innovation with its new light sport aircraft. In particular, the company developed an amphibious model that can take off and land on a conventional runway or on water and be stored in your garage. Designed to be compact, with folding wings for easy storage, and incredibly safe to fly, the aircraft clearly was highly marketable and poised for commercial success when the founder came to Martensen IP for guidance.

Recalling his first meeting with the founder, Kirk Hawkins, “It was immediately apparent that his ideas were innovative and valuable. It was also clear that competitors could reverse engineer the products, their design, and how they are built.” So, we promptly filed for a number of patents to protect Icon’s IP both in the U.S. and abroad.

A Long-Term Relationship with a Trusted Advisor

Over the course of more than a decade, we filed more than 200 patents for Icon as the company continued to evolve and enhance its products. These patents not only protect the technology behind the aircraft, but also their unique physical appearance, which is an important aspect of their appeal to pilots and passengers alike.

Today, Icon is arguably the worldwide leader in amphibious light sport aircraft. And while the founder’s ingenuity is at the heart of that success, securing the essential technology and design elements of its products has kept competitors at bay and enabled the company to flourish. The organization has grown considerably and now works with some of the country’s largest law firms on the variety of legal issues that large companies have to address. But, Icon still relies on Martensen IP to protect and manage its large and growing intellectual property portfolio.

    It is a real pleasure to work with such professionals.
    “Together we’ve filed for and been awarded several patents throughout the world, with Martensen taking on the vast majority of the preparation workload.”
    - Mik Farley, ICON Aircraft
    Keen ability to target and successfully capture IP concepts for further development.
    “Keen ability to target and successfully capture IP concepts for further development.”
    - David Bruemmer, 5D Robotics
    Extremely well-versed in IP law.
    “Navigated our patent applications from complex technology to award. Mike’s global associates helped inform and execute our global strategy.”
    - Julie Zinn, Spirae
    Equally comfortable engaging technical or business issues and framing them to fit the goals of the company.
    “Trusted counsel who distills complex technology and legal matters into simple terms.”
    - Richard Kinsman, TERSUS
    Mike has the experience and pragmatism to be an invaluable addition to your team.
    “Tremendously useful to get advice from someone who thinks beyond the pure legal calculus and works well with business people.”
    - Jay Jesse, Intelligent Software Solutions
    Martensen IP is an excellent Intellectual Property firm that has assisted on numerous occasions with a variety of topics.
    “Working with them is a pleasure and they are always on top of the various deadlines associated with our IP needs.”
    - Leif Ullman, CEO, KidReports
    Our international patent strategies need smart—and affordable—decisions.
    “We trust you to guide us through these challenging journeys.”
    - Steen Strand, ICON Aircraft
    Respected in courts which is key to any successful transaction.
    “AWESOME GROUP TO WORK WITH! Knows their stuff backward and forwards and doesn't lead you on.”
    - Eric S.
    He was so professional, so respectful, and full of valuable knowledge and wisdom. Wonderful.
    “Above and beyond with their kindness and willingness to speak to you about your situation even before setting up a consultation. This tells me that they have a heart to serve.”
    - Serenity P.

Meet Our Team

Contact Our Offices

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (719) 417-8709.

  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Martensen IP at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy
  • We Maintain A Record of Success in Achieving Patent Coverage
    Every attorney has 20+ years of experience and has drafted and prosecuted hundreds of successful patent applications.
  • We Function At The Intersection Of Business, Law And Technology

    Our experience and knowledge converge at the intersection of intellectual property and government contracting. We are uniquely positioned not just as a provider of technical counsel, but also as part of business advisory teams.

  • We Provide Superior Legal Guidance and Value
    Experience in numerous business and engineering disciplines creates a knowledge base that makes it possible for our attorneys to assist clients in situations where IP legal advice only makes sense if placed within the context of a client’s complete business strategy.
  • We Develop Strategies to Enhance Competitive Advantage
    We come up with great IP strategies to enhance our client’s competitive advantage but recognize that the technology will change, the environment will change, the competition will change and so will our plan; we’re ready.
  • We Understand Technology & How To Protect Your IP
    Clients benefit from the collective background of our intellectual property attorneys, which includes scientific and engineering expertise, large law firm experience and prior contracting experience with the U.S. Department of Defense.