Autonomous & Uncrewed Vehicle Systems (AUVS)
Offering solutions for autonomous air, ground, and sea systems.
Autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems are revolutionizing modern life and commerce.
As autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems capabilities increase, they promise to deliver significant environmental and cost benefits while also presenting novel regulatory and legal risks for designers and manufacturers. Perkins Coie offers legal counsel to these businesses throughout their life cycles. We provide comprehensive intellectual property (IP) support, assist with regulatory compliance, help minimize the risk of personal injury and related litigation, and offer guidance on privacy and security and insurance coverage issues.
Air
Since helping Boeing incorporate in 1916, Perkins Coie has provided leading-edge guidance to companies in the aerospace industry. Our experience enables us to offer an exceptional level of service and knowledge to our clients in the uncrewed aerial vehicle space.
As governmental and commercial applications of uncrewed aerial vehicles continue to develop, we help clients understand the business and regulatory challenges they face. Our work includes monitoring regulatory and technological developments and actively participating in industry organizations.
Ground
Perkins Coie represents some of the key players in the autonomous car and trucking sector. Although self-driving features on vehicles are not new, recent developments in autonomous technology have the potential to transform both the car and trucking industries, including significantly reducing labor costs and vehicle accidents. We advise clients including original equipment manufacturers, LiDAR and communications companies, and automotive manufacturers across a range of issues, including IP, privacy, communications, and product liability.
Maritime
Autonomous and uncrewed shipping technologies have the potential to make greener, safer, and more cost-effective ships while also creating new tech and manufacturing jobs. The development of uncrewed submersibles now allows exploration at depths previously unattainable by divers or larger crewed vessels.
These advancements present numerous potential legal and regulatory challenges, both domestically and internationally. Our team delivers practical and creative solutions to these challenges.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Robotics
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are foundational technologies for autonomous vehicles. From product concept to launch, we provide guidance on developing products and services that merge digital presence, physical hardware, and computational intelligence. Representing both providers and purchasers of AI, we routinely advise on a range of issues, such as data use (including data ownership), data privacy and data security compliance, IP, portability and reusability of AI, and risks of algorithmic discrimination.
We frequently represent
- Companies in the aerospace industry.
- Top autonomous vehicle companies.
- Original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
- LiDAR and communications companies.
- Automotive manufacturers across a range of practices.
- Shipping technology companies.
Our Team
For organizations in the autonomous and uncrewed vehicle space, Perkins Coie provides comprehensive legal services.
Emerging Companies & Venture Capital
Many of the sector’s innovative and rapidly growing companies are startups. We offer legal and business counsel to these businesses throughout their lifecycles, from formation to exit.
Patent & IP Protection
Many members of our UAVS team have backgrounds in computer science, electronics, aerospace, and aeronautical and astronautical engineering. The team includes former patent examiners in aeronautics and astronautics at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and pilots.
In providing comprehensive support for patent prosecution and litigation, we have a dedicated team of more than 100 litigators who work closely with our patent prosecution unit. With a solid track record, we have led trials and litigated patent claims in more than 50 U.S. jurisdictions.
Regulatory Compliance
We counsel on the regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as various state and local authorities. We also offer guidance on achieving FAA compliance, including the nuances of Part 107 and related waivers.
Engaging with cities and companies through public-private partnerships, we help to contain costs and elevate the standards of both the public and private sectors.
Privacy & Data Security
The development of uncrewed and autonomous vehicles brings with it many privacy considerations. To assist, we have developed a multidisciplinary team of litigators, transactional lawyers, and public policy specialists.
Our extensive experience in privacy litigation includes the defense of class-action lawsuits and government enforcement actions. We are well versed in policy development, the implementation of fair information practices, and the execution of privacy and security audits.
Product Liability & Risk Management
Pioneering technologies meet real-world operations, carrying with them the possibility of personal injury litigation. Perkins Coie's product liability advisory services assist companies in minimizing these risks. Our tailored workshops serve to educate, analyze risk, and craft effective product warnings. Should claims manifest, we lead clients through government probes and defend them tenaciously in litigation.
Our product liability experience includes a particular focus on aviation. The Perkins Coie aviation and aerospace group has achieved Band 1 recognition by Chambers USA for aviation litigation since 2009, and we proudly serve as trusted counsel to industry leaders, such as The Boeing Company and Honeywell Aerospace in high-stakes matters.
Insurance Recovery
Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice is dedicated to aligning with the advancements in the autonomous and uncrewed vehicle space. We guide policyholders toward the insurance instruments that offer the best safeguard them.
Insights
Professional Experience
The Boeing Company
Represented Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support, in its acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences, a world-class innovator, developer and manufacturer of advanced aerospace platforms and autonomous systems.
Skyward
Represented Skyward, the leading operations management solution for commercial drone businesses, in its acquisition by Verizon Communications Inc., provider of communications and entertainment services over mobile broadband. Skyward brings drone operations management to the Verizon IoT portfolio, simplifying drone operations and management for organizations of any size.
Elbit Systems
Represent international defense contractor in bankruptcy case of sole source supplier of components for the contractor’s unmanned aerial vehicles, including protecting rights as licensee, obtaining return of property, impact of asset sale and creditor issues.
Titan Aerospace
Provide corporate and intellectual property representation and counseling for the company, including patent prosecution and counseling in the areas of aerodynamics, solar cells and manufacturing.
The Boeing Company
Represent The Boeing Company in all areas of intellectual property protection and several other areas of law relating to Boeing’s technology, including FAA and other regulatory compliance, as well as product liability. We provide patent preparation, prosecution and opinion work for all areas of Boeing technology, including composite structures design and manufacturing, guidance systems, propulsion, electrical power generation and management, and fuel systems.
Insitu, Inc.
Provide patent portfolio planning, development and counseling, including patent preparation, prosecution, evaluation, analysis and opinion work for Insitu, the leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems in the fields of aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and software.
Compliance and Risk Management Counsel to Fortune 100 Manufacturer
Advise Fortune 100 manufacturer and seller of tech consumer products on regulatory compliance (e.g., CPSC), warranties, contractual risk management and product liability prevention.