Overview

The automotive and mobility sector is changing rapidly — electrification, connected/automated systems and new ownership models are creating legal questions across regulation, product safety, data and commercial arrangements. This page explains practice areas and practical steps to manage legal risk and support commercial objectives.

Regulatory & compliance advisory

Regulation touches safety, emissions, homologation, data protection and cybersecurity. Legal teams typically support product approvals, recall planning, and compliance processes. Common focus areas include:
  • Environmental and emissions standards compliance
  • Safety and liability frameworks for connected and autonomous vehicles
  • Homologation, recall preparedness and warranty governance
  • Data protection and cybersecurity obligations affecting vehicle data and telematics
For cross-border projects, coordinate regulatory mapping early and build contract terms that allocate compliance responsibility across supply chains. See related practice pages: Our practices, and practice areas such as Financial services regulatory for data-related regulatory overlap.

Litigation & dispute resolution

Disputes in this sector may involve product liability, warranty actions, dealer networks and contractual claims. Typical services include defence strategy, alternate dispute resolution and managing investigatory processes.
  • Representation in product liability and consumer-protection matters
  • Dealer network and distribution disputes, terminations and compliance with dealer laws
  • Antitrust and competition-related issues in supply and distribution arrangements

Intellectual property protection

Technology and data are central to modern vehicles. IP planning helps preserve value and manage risk where software, connectivity and standards intersect.
  • Patent, trademark and copyright strategy for vehicle technologies
  • Licensing and cross-licence agreements, including FRAND discussions where standard-essential patents arise
  • IP enforcement and dispute resolution

Transactions & corporate advisory

Corporate and commercial work supports supply chains and strategic initiatives. Core tasks include drafting and negotiating commercial terms, M&A documentation and technology licensing.
  • Mergers, acquisitions and joint-venture documentation
  • Licensing of vehicle and mobility technologies
  • Supply chain, manufacturing and outsourcing agreements
  • Real estate and site matters for manufacturing and distribution facilities

Environmental, social and governance (ESG)

Sustainability considerations affect product design, supply chain selection and disclosure practices. Legal support typically covers compliance with evolving standards and contract provisions that support sustainability goals.
  • Meeting shifting environmental standards and supplier expectations
  • Contractual tools for sustainable sourcing and responsibility allocation
  • Regulatory reporting and risk assessment related to climate matters

How we work — practical steps

1. Initial review

We review contracts, product specifications and regulatory exposures to identify immediate risks and priorities.

2. Regulatory mapping

Map applicable safety, emissions and data rules across jurisdictions and propose controls for compliance.

3. Contracting & IP strategy

Draft and negotiate supplier terms, licensing and warranty language tailored to product lifecycles and risk allocation.

4. Dispute readiness & response

Prepare recall and litigation playbooks, identify evidence preservation steps and ADR options where suitable.

Checklist for early-stage projects

  • Define regulatory owners per market
  • Review warranties and recall procedures
  • Confirm data flows and privacy responsibilities
  • Secure IP and licensing arrangements early
  • Agree dispute resolution and applicable law in contracts

Frequently asked questions

What regulatory matters should manufacturers prioritise?Start with product safety and homologation in the target markets, then map emissions/energy regulations and data protection obligations linked to telematics and connected features.
How do we protect vehicle software and data?Combine IP filings where appropriate with clear licensing, robust contract terms for software updates and comprehensive data processing agreements that allocate responsibilities for security and compliance.
When should we prepare recall or remediation plans?As early as possible. Include technical, legal and communications owners, preserve evidence protocols and define notification processes to regulators and customers.
What are typical approaches to sharing liability across suppliers?Contracts generally allocate responsibilities by component, require insurance and include indemnities and limits aligned with the commercial relationship and negotiation leverage.
How do cross-border data rules affect vehicle telematics?Different jurisdictions impose restrictions on transfer, storage and processing of personal data. Map where data is generated, routed and stored, and use standard contractual protections or local lawful bases where needed.