---
title: "SpaceX Files Trademark Documents for its Global Internet Network"
description: "Elon Musk's SpaceX has trademarked the name \"Starlink\" for its global satellite internet network, set to launch between 2019 and 2024."
date: "2017-09-21"
modified: "2017-11-30"
authors:
  - name: "Patrick Caughill"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/patrickcaughill"
url: "https://futurism.com/spacex-files-trademark-documents-for-its-global-internet-network"
categories:
  - "Future Society"
  - "Space"
  - "SpaceX"
tags:
  - "elon musk"
  - "global internet"
  - "internet access"
  - "satellites"
  - "SpaceX"
---

# SpaceX Files Trademark Documents for its Global Internet Network

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/16670245359_f261da3f4d_k.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: \<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spacex/16670245359/" target="\_blank"\>SpaceX/Flickr\</a\>\</em\>*

SpaceX seems to be taking a step forward in its plan to provide low-cost global internet access via a network of satellites. According to a report from [GeekWire](<https://www.geekwire.com/2017/spacex-seeks-trademark-name-starlink-satellite-broadband-network/>), SpaceX has filed to [trademark the name "Starlink"](<https://www.trademarkia.com/starlink-87576978.html>) for the network. CEO Elon Musk first announced his intention to begin the project back in 2015. More detailed plans were [laid out in May](<https://futurism.com/spacex-just-laid-out-a-plan-to-give-everyone-internet-access>), including the intention to launch 4,425 satellites into orbit between 2019 and 2024.

Musk estimated that the network could cost upward of $10 billion to get started, but foresees it as a major source of revenue for the company once it is up and running.

![Image credit: SpaceX](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2014_-_9crs4_streak-1.jpg>)
*Image credit: SpaceX*

Musk is expected to announce more on the progress of the project when he speaks at the [International Astronautical Congress](<http://www.iafastro.org/elon-musk-at-iac-2017-in-adelaide/>) in Australia next week.

This network is potentially world-changing, in its ability to provide internet access to parts of the world where land-based communications infrastructure is difficult or impossible to build. However, it is not the only project in the running. The Virginia-based[ OneWeb](<https://www.geekwire.com/2016/oneweb-softbank-billion-internet-satellite-network/>), which aims to have an operational network as early as 2019, is racing to get their satellites launched. Boeing is [building satellites](<http://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130014>) for SES, one of the world's largest satellite operators, which is planning a medium Earth orbit network.

Overall, this race to establish satellite internet networks should prove positive, as internet access can [have a democratizing effect](<https://futurism.com/the-fcc-is-set-to-lower-the-standards-of-internet-access>). Expanding access to the most in need for it will be a huge step in ensuring a better world.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-caughill-74178a61>)