Aerospace & Transportation
Driving innovation in aerospace and transportation.
Players in the aerospace and transportation sector need comprehensive counsel, whether they are financing startups, seeking governmental approval for new technologies, or pursuing protection of intellectual property and proprietary inventions.
Perkins Coie has one of the longest-standing product liability practices in the nation and the largest with a focus on aviation and satellite litigation. We advise clients on risk management and represent them before the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission, and other federal agencies and international organizations. In addition, our multidisciplinary team of lawyers advises and counsels companies, their investors, and other affiliates regarding all aspects of satellite, aerospace, and launch services.
Perkins Coie is recognized worldwide as a powerhouse in aeronautical product liability containment and lawsuit defense. Our team members include the former chief counsel of the Federal Highway Administration, who has worked on such cutting-edge transportation regulatory issues as vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Our experience in the aerospace and transportation sector spans fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, autonomous vehicle systems, space vehicles, engines, navigation systems, and component parts.
Several of our lawyers serve as members of the Transportation Research Board, and Perkins Coie is a member of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, which supports innovation and industry standards for technology, safety, application, and policy. Perkins Coie’s global aviation practice has been ranked in national Band 1 by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 since 2009. Chambers reports that Perkins Coie is “the go-to shop for high-profile aviation disputes.”
How we help clients
- Aviation and transportation defense.
- NewSpace.
- Autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems (AUVS).
We frequently represent
- Established technology companies.
- Original equipment manufacturers.
- Suppliers.
- Emerging growth companies.
Aviation & Transportation Defense
Global Practice
Our practice spans the globe. We have tried cases in many states and conducted international arbitrations in Europe and Canada. Our lawyers have defended manufacturers in investigations and litigation in countries including Indonesia, France, Korea, Australia, Greece, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Risk Management & Litigation Prevention
We counsel manufacturers on contractual risk allocation, warnings and instructions, service bulletins and internal risk management processes. As part of our work keeping clients and their employees informed, we provide educational seminars in which we present steps a company and its employees should take to ensure product safety and protect against liability.
Aerospace & Transportation 相关行业
见解
动态
代理经验
Aerospace & Transportation Representative Experience
Summary Judgment Dismissals for Accidents
Represented an aircraft manufacturer in claims arising from several U.S. and foreign accidents, including Comair flight 5191 in Lexington, Kentucky and the crash of a commuter aircraft in Queensland, Australia. All claims against the manufacturer relating to those accidents were dismissed on summary judgment.
Successful International Arbitration in Helicopter Accident
A heli-ski operator and pilot filed suit in British Columbia against the engine manufacturer, claiming a defect in the fuel control unit caused the helicopter to lose rotor speed and crash in a remote mountain valley.
Satellite Manufacturer
Defended a satellite manufacturer in international arbitrations in Paris and Toronto. The Paris arbitration resulted in an award for the client after a full evidentiary hearing. The adverse party in the Toronto arbitration abandoned its claims for a walk-away settlement before trial.
Military Accidents
Litigation involving military accidents is complex because many of the accidents occur during operations in war zones and involve sensitive aircraft systems and strict export controls. These cases involve unique defenses such as the government contractor defense, political question doctrine, combatant activities and state secrets privilege. They present unusual challenges, such as obtaining investigation information from the military and evidence from inhospitable places.
Defend Ejection Seat Maker
Represent a manufacturer of ejection seats in claims arising out of military accidents in the United States and abroad.
Commercial Aircraft Manufacturer
Represent an aircraft manufacturer in commercial aircraft accidents around the world, including Asiana flight 214 (San Francisco), Flash Air flight 604 (Red Sea), Helios flight 522 (Greece), SilkAir flight 185 (Indonesia), Garuda flight 299 (Indonesia) and AdamAir flight 5503 (Indonesia).
Aviation Manufacturer Defense
Defend a manufacturer of general aviation engines and related systems in litigation in the United States and abroad.
Arbitration Victory for Helicopter Engine Maker
Defended a manufacturer of helicopter engines in an international arbitration in Montreal. After a two-week trial, the arbitrator ruled for the manufacturer on the helicopter operator’s product defect claims and awarded the manufacturer all fees and costs, as well as damages on the engine loss claims against the operator.