In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Tom Kading, entrepreneur, engineer, and founder of Fargo Patent Law, to discuss how aerospace innovators can protect and leverage their intellectual property. From patents and trade secrets to brand strategy and investor readiness, Tom shares practical advice for startups and established companies navigating the rapidly growing UAS and aerospace markets. Whether you’re building drones, VTOLs, or next-gen software, this conversation will help you rethink IP not just as paperwork, but as a core business asset.

Episode Highlights

• Why intellectual property is more than just patents
  
  


• The difference between utility and design patents
  
  


• Trade secrets vs. patents: when to choose each
  
  


• Common mistakes aerospace companies make with IP strategy
  
  


• How a strong IP portfolio builds business value and attracts investors
  
  


• Practical advice for protecting software, hardware, and processes
  
  

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:00 ] – Introduction & mission: Supporting innovative businesses in their growth.
  
  


• [00:00:48 ] – John introduces platinum sponsor XTI Aerospace and today’s live recording from The Hive in Grand Forks.
  
  


• [00:01:35 ] – Tom shares his entrepreneurial background and why he founded Fargo Patent Law with a focus on aerospace.
  
  


• [00:02:34 ] – Common IP mistakes: treating patents as “just a piece of paper” instead of part of a strategy.
  
  


• [00:04:29 ] – Utility vs. design patents explained, including length of protection and scope.
  
  


• [00:05:46 ] – Trade secrets: when keeping something secret might be smarter than filing a patent.
  
  


• [00:06:32 ] – Using IP as a strategic asset: capital raising, acquisitions, and market positioning.
  
  


• [00:07:30 ] – What makes a strong IP portfolio (patents, trade secrets, contract maps, open source).
  
  


• [00:08:09 ] – What’s patentable in aerospace? Hardware, processes, and the challenges of software.
  
  


• [00:09:06 ] – Tom shares how to connect with Fargo Patent Law for guidance.
  
  

Guest Bio: Tom Kading

Tom Kading is an entrepreneur, engineer, and patent attorney with a passion for helping innovative businesses protect and leverage their intellectual property. As founder of Fargo Patent Law, Tom advises startups and established aerospace companies on strategies that go beyond paperwork—building real business value through patents, trade secrets, contracts, and branding. With offices in Grand Forks, Fargo, and Colorado Springs, Tom and his team are deeply engaged in the rapidly evolving aerospace and UAS ecosystem.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kading-1870b727/

About Fargo Patent Law

Fargo Patent Law is a boutique intellectual property law firm dedicated to helping innovators protect and maximize the value of their ideas. Founded by entrepreneur and patent attorney Tom Kading, the firm combines legal expertise with real-world business insight to craft IP strategies that fuel growth. With offices in Grand Forks, Fargo, and Colorado Springs, Fargo Patent Law serves startups and established companies nationwide—particularly in the fast-growing aerospace and UAS industries—by providing guidance on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and contracts.

Notable Quotes

• “Patents and trademarks are just pieces of paper—until you do something with them.” – Tom Kading
  
  


• “It’s not about suing your competitor. It’s about putting friction in the marketplace so others think twice before competing with you.” – Tom Kading
  
  


• “A strong IP portfolio isn’t just patents—it’s patents, trade secrets, contracts, and even strategic openness.” – Tom Kading
  
  


• “99% of patents aren’t litigated. The value comes from how they position you in the market.” – Tom Kading