Mobility, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles
At the forefront of the mobility industry
Varnum represents autonomous and connected vehicle manufacturers, developers and operation teams.
As Michigan leads the way in the mobility sector, Varnum leads the world’s foremost players in the autonomous and connected vehicle industry with comprehensive legal representation. Our counsel spans data privacy and security, liability, regulation and compliance, and intellectual property, in addition to traditional corporate law, labor and employment law, and corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
The industry is challenged by dynamic compliance, licensing and regulatory frameworks that sit at the intersection of emerging technologies and traditional motor vehicle regulations. Varnum attorneys provide counsel to leaders and emerging players at every level of driver-assistance technology.
“Varnum always has an expert to offer sound advice and guidance for any issue we bring to them.”
Client, US News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms
Proven Legal Experience in the Mobility and Connected Cars Industry
Varnum attorneys solve business problems with flexibility and a pragmatic approach that mitigates risk as it arises. We work closely with autonomous and connected vehicle product development and business operation teams, providing counsel that is cost-effective and responsive.
We provide counsel on a variety of laws and regulations, including privacy, data and licensing agreements, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, NHTSA compliance, product liability, transportation services, customer user experience and vehicle connectivity. In addition to this cutting-edge work, we also have significant public policy experience at both the state and federal levels.
Meet the Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility Industry Legal Team
The Varnum mobility and connected vehicles team is directed by IAPP U.S. Certified Information Privacy Professionals with industry-leading experience in data privacy and regulatory issues and extensive in-house legal experience that they leverage to bring clients actionable legal and business advice.
Our attorneys have helped navigate the evolving legal and public policy landscape for new and emerging mobility technologies, including privacy-related matters in connection with a major global automaker and the development of the world’s first fully electric truck.
Legal Practices Related to Mobility
Varnum’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Team assists organizations with development of sound data privacy and security practices, along with real-time advice to address the evolving regulatory environment. Our multidisciplinary team has the experience developing data privacy compliance programs, preparing for and responding to data breaches, and handling public policy and legislative issues.
We advise clients on a wide range of matters including California’s Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation and other regulatory obligations, data privacy policies and consumer-facing statements, drafting and negotiating complex data sharing and licensing agreements involving personal and de-identified information, privacy-related claims and disputes, investigations and e-discovery privacy management and cybersecurity guidance and internal policy development.
Learn more about Varnum’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice
Varnum IP lawyers assist with protecting the rights involved with emerging, diverse and complex technology in the autonomous and connected vehicle industry. Our extensive experience in matters including domestic and foreign patents, trademark registration, clearance and licensing, and copyrights provides significant value to clients in this emerging industry.
Beyond protection for new and emerging products and technologies, our attorneys provide counsel for clients seeking joint venture agreements and technology transfers. The Varnum litigation team is strong and far-reaching. We have patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation experience in diverse and complex technologies.
Varnum’s Business and Corporate attorneys are leaders in corporate agreements and counseling for autonomous and connected vehicle companies. Our attorneys have significant experience on a variety of contract matters, including supplier contracts, licensing, procurement, sales contracts and contract administration.
Varnum attorneys also have extensive experience in representing clients in financing transactions, including syndicated loans, working capital financings, asset-based loans, mezzanine financings, private debt placements and securitized sales of accounts receivable.
We use a multidisciplinary team approach to leverage the talents of the team for other corporate matters, such as employment and labor law, executive compensation and employee benefits, tax planning and more.
The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team at Varnum has a wealth of experience in dealing with complex matters, including acquisitions and dispositions of business interests, taxable and tax-free transactions, mergers, consolidations, tenders, share exchanges, stock and asset purchases, joint ventures, leveraged buyouts, acquisitive reorganizations, Employee Stock Ownership Plan acquisitions, and sale and redemption combinations.