The high-stakes legal battle over the name of a laser-guided bomb

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the world of defense contracting, even a common noun can be worth millions. The 'Paveway' brand—the standard for precision-guided munitions—became the center of a fierce corporate tug-of-war between industry giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over who truly owned the name.

Developed by Texas Instruments starting in 1964, Paveway revolutionized aerial warfare by introducing laser-guided bombs (LGBs). The early program prioritized simplicity and economical engineering, leading to a weapon that could detect reflected laser energy—a 'sparkle'—and use front canards to steer toward a target. During combat testing in Vietnam in 1968, the Paveway achieved a circular error probability of just 20 feet, significantly outperforming older munitions like the BOLT-117.

The technology evolved through several generations. The original Paveway I and II used 'bang-bang' control systems that caused noticeable wobbles but were cost-effective. By 1986, the Paveway III introduced proportional guidance to minimize energy loss, allowing for longer glide ranges and greater accuracy on high-value targets. Modern iterations, such as the Enhanced Paveway series (GBU-48 through GBU-59), integrate GPS and INS for all-weather employment, while others like the 'Paragon' aim to reduce costs by at least 30 percent using cheaper microprocessors.

Despite its dominance, the name itself sparked a legal firestorm. Lockheed Martin argued that 'Paveway' was a generic industry term, much like 'aspirin.' However, Raytheon claimed it as a protectable trademark. After a 2011 USPTO ruling declared it generic in the U.S., the two companies engaged in federal litigation. In September 2014, they reached a settlement: Raytheon owns the trademark but must license it to Lockheed Martin for use on single-mode laser-guided bomb kits.

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