Autonomous & Uncrewed Vehicle Systems (AUVS)
Innovating autonomous solutions for air, ground, and sea.
Autonomous and uncrewed vehicle systems are revolutionizing modern life and commerce.
As capabilities expand, these systems promise to deliver significant environmental and cost benefits, while also presenting novel regulatory and legal risks for designers and manufacturers.
Air
Since incorporating Boeing in 1916, Perkins Coie has provided leading-edge guidance to companies in the aerospace industry. Our deep experience enables us to provide 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 their revolutionary trajectory, Perkins Coie has committed itself to the growth and protection of the companies and technology within this industry. Our dedication includes monitoring regulatory and technological developments and participation in industry groups focused on the evolving technology and expanding marketplace.
Ground
Our firm represents some of the key players in the autonomous car and trucking sector. Although autonomous features on ground 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 motor vehicle accidents. We work with top autonomous vehicle companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), LiDAR and communications companies, and automotive manufacturers across a range of practices, including intellectual property, privacy, communications, and product liability. Our interdisciplinary team helps our clients overcome the legal hurdles to fully deploy this technology, mitigate the risks involved, and ensure that their intellectual property is protected.
Maritime
Autonomous and uncrewed shipping technologies have the potential to make greener, safer, and cheaper ships while also creating new tech and manufacturing jobs. Development of uncrewed submersibles has resulted in vessels that can reach depths previously unattainable by divers or larger crewed vessels.
As with all such systems, autonomous and uncrewed vehicles present numerous potential legal and regulatory challenges, both domestically and internationally. Perkins Coie’s AUVS group helps companies face practical and creative solutions.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Robotics
AI and machine learning are foundational technologies for autonomous vehicles. From product concept to launch, we provide guidance on the development of 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, including data use (including data ownership), data privacy compliance and data security compliance, intellectual property, portability and reusability of AI, and risks of algorithmic discrimination.
How we help clients
- Air
- Ground
- Maritime
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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.
![Drones in the air](/sites/default/files/styles/widescreen_16x9_1023x575_1x/public/2024-08/UVS%20-%20Unmanned%20Vehicle%20Systems%20%28Primary%29_HD%20720p.jpg?itok=Qu_1VUR3)
Emerging Companies & Venture Capital
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.
Patent and Intellectual Property Protection
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.
Regulatory Compliance
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.
Privacy & Data Security
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.
Product Liability and Risk Management
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.
Insurance Recovery
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.
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.