Many of the most innovative and fast-growing companies in the autonomous and uncrewed vehicle sector are startups. We offer practical legal and business counsel to these businesses throughout their life cycle, from formation to exit. Our extensive experience in venture capital and corporate finance enables us to provide our emerging company clients with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. 

Technological advancements are the lifeblood of the autonomous and uncrewed vehicle sector. Here at Perkins Coie, we guide emerging entities, inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the development of their IP assets and technology. The commercialization of these advancements is a key area of focus for our team of over 50 IP licensing attorneys. We are dedicated to the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of a multitude of agreements that support the acquisition, development, and global distribution of transformative technologies. 

Our UAVS team is distinguished by the profound technical acumen our intellectual property attorneys possess. Many members have roots in computer science, electronics, aerospace, and aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Some have examined patent applications in aeronautics and astronautics at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and a few even boast licenses as pilots. 

In providing comprehensive support for patent prosecution and litigation, we have a dedicated team of over 100 litigators who work closely with our patent prosecution unit. From the earliest hearings on preliminary injunctions, through Markman hearings, and International Trade Commission (ITC) proceedings, to jury and bench trials across the nation, we champion our clients’ interests. With a solid track record, we have led trials and litigated patent claims in over 50 U.S. jurisdictions. 

Operating in the fast-evolving regulatory space of autonomous and uncrewed vehicles, we understand the complexities of the terrain. Our experience empowers companies to navigate regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as the various state and local authorities. We stand ready to provide guidance on NHTSA regulations and secure exemptions where needed. We also offer our expertise on achieving FAA compliance, including the nuances of Part 107 and related waivers. 

From parking structures to intersections, airports, and railways, we see a future where connectivity is seamlessly integrated. Engaging with cities and companies through public-private partnerships (P3s), we help to contain costs and elevate the standards of both the public and private sectors. 

The ascension of uncrewed and autonomous vehicles brings forth a new wave of privacy considerations. In response, our firm has united professionals from distinct legal realms—litigators, transactional attorneys, and public policy specialists—to form an interdisciplinary privacy and security team. 

Our extensive experience in privacy litigation encompasses the defense of class action lawsuits and government enforcement actions. Our expertise extends to policy development, the implementation of fair information practices, and the execution of privacy and security audits. 

As the evolution of vehicles is accelerated by the integration of autonomy and connectivity, we are presented with opportunities to offer new levels of convenience to consumers and to support the evolving technological landscape. However, if not strategically managed, these advances can lead to a crisis in data and cybersecurity. 

Perkins Coie has a rich reservoir of experience in collaborating with innovative enterprises that are at the forefront of harnessing data for the advancement of machine learning and the seamless integration of this information into autonomous systems. 

In the dynamic sector of autonomous and uncrewed vehicles, where pioneering technologies meet real-world operations, the specter of personal injury litigation looms. Perkins Coie's product liability advisory services stand ready to minimize 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 spans the spectrum and includes a distinguished focus on aviation. The Perkins Coie aviation and aerospace group, soaring in Band 1 recognition by Chambers USA for aviation litigation since 2009, proudly serves as trusted counsel to industry leaders such as The Boeing Company and Honeywell Aerospace in notable, high-value matters. 

Perkins Coie’s Insurance Recovery practice is dedicated to aligning with the advancements in the autonomous and uncrewed vehicle landscape. We are committed to guiding policyholders towards the insurance instruments that best safeguard them amidst the complex web of risks and unknowns that accompany these swiftly progressing technologies.