Connectivity presents new IP considerations for automotive companies, escalating the need for interoperability between manufacturers and standardisation of technologies.

There is no doubt that the vehicles of today are software heavy. Vehicle control software controls traditional vehicle functions, such functions of the powertrain, the transmission, the chassis, including brakes, and safety systems. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) require software to provide features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous driving functionality. Connectivity, including vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and over-the-air (OTA) updates require advanced telecommunications software.

Not only does automotive software present huge potential for innovation and IP protection, but also new considerations with respect to standardisation and regulation. In particular, vehicle connectivity presents considerations which until relatively recently have only been relevant to the telecommunications industry. Such considerations include standard essential patents (SEPs), covering technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G. Standard-setting organisations typically require licencing of SEPs to meet fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms, which can significantly affect licencing strategies.

Our automotive and software attorneys will be able to advise you on all aspects of protecting and commercialising automotive software.