The Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) and law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP have released the Quantum Law Navigator, a report designed to clarify the legal landscape surrounding quantum technologies. The guide was introduced on November 3 during the opening of the 2025 Chicago Quantum Summit, an event that brings together experts to discuss the needs of the growing quantum economy.
CQE director David Awschalom, who also serves as the University of Chicago’s Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics and is a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, announced the launch. “We need to close the gap between the quantum sector and the law to ensure a robust, sustainable quantum economy,” Awschalom said. “Without a common language among quantum technologists, the business community, lawyers, and lawmakers, we risk losing innovators to the layers of law and regulation that grow from our sector’s scientific complexity, uncertain timelines and relevance to national security. This is an important step forward as we accelerate the transitions of scientific discovery to technology and work collaboratively to create a competitive industry.”
The report aims to help researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, executives, in-house counsel, and policymakers better understand how laws intersect with quantum research and commercialization. It addresses issues such as patent questions, export rules affecting collaboration with foreign researchers, regulations impacting access to key materials, federal funding obligations regarding intellectual property and disclosure, march-in rights allowing government intervention in patents, venture capital negotiations, and visa requirements for international talent.
While large institutions often have legal teams to manage these complexities, smaller organizations may find compliance challenging due to limited resources.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker commented on his state’s leadership in this area: “Illinois continues to lead the way in building the quantum future—giving researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers the tools they need to navigate this rapidly evolving space. The Quantum Law Navigator will help innovators turn complexity into opportunity and strengthen the foundation of a growing quantum economy. This effort underscores the kind of leadership that keeps Illinois at the center of global innovation.”
On November 3, Robert Karr Jr., partner at Barnes & Thornburg who co-led development of the navigator with CQE, moderated a panel discussion on legal frameworks for quantum growth. Panelists included Hannah Parnes from EeroQ—a Chicago-based quantum computing company—and Troy Smith from Infleqtion.
“Lawmakers and regulators have increasingly turned their attention to quantum because quantum technologies have the potential for seismic impact on many sectors of industry and society,” said Parnes. “The Quantum Law Navigator provides a foundation for understanding the legal and regulatory landscape for the development of quantum technology and will be an invaluable asset for innovators across the quantum ecosystem."
The report covers several legal areas relevant to quantum technologies including intellectual property rights, export controls, foreign investment scrutiny, immigration policy, trade rules and tariffs. According to Karr: “The Quantum Law Navigator addresses a critical gap between technological innovation and legal governance in one of the most transformative fields of the 21st century. By mapping the relevant legal frameworks, quantum stakeholders can better understand how policies, laws and regulations interact rather than collide, and where compliance and opportunity align.”
This navigator is part of CQE’s broader initiative aimed at connecting experts in both technology development and law so that responsible growth can occur within this emerging field.
Kate Timmerman—the CEO of CQE—said: “The Quantum Law Navigator is an extension of the CQE’s broader effort to provide critical supports for the full U.S. quantum ecosystem.” She added: “To advance research, our scientists must understand rules around intellectual property, tariffs on foreign components, and whether a conversation with a foreign researcher is regulated as a ‘deemed export.’ If our start-ups want financial support, they must understand obligations that accompany government funding and venture capital deals. To recruit global talent…our employers must understand immigration…and visas. We do not want any…stakeholders delayed or discouraged by…the complexities surrounding these questions.”
The report offers practical analysis across four main challenges: balancing national security concerns while promoting innovation; securing ongoing funding; addressing shortages in skilled professionals; and managing supply chain risks.
Part I explains why aligning law with advances in quantum technology will benefit both economic strength and innovation in America; Part II serves as a reference tool covering specific compliance issues facing those working within this sector.
Feedback on this first edition is welcomed by its authors via email or through updates available on CQE's website.