The automotive industry is in the midst of a revolution, with new technologies and increased connectivity bringing new complexities. From autonomous to green technologies, automotive companies face huge costs to develop new technologies.

Where IP may have been more commonly used in the automotive industry to secure a competitive advantage by retaining unique features, nowadays, high development costs encourage technology sharing. This may be in the form of licensing to secure additional revenue streams or IP being opened-up for royalty-free use to encourage adoption. However, despite this new world for manufacturers, IP protection still remains critical for automotive suppliers and start-ups to retain exclusivity.

What’s more, the increasing connectivity of vehicles presents new IP considerations for automotive companies, escalating the need for interoperability between manufacturers and standardisation of technologies.

Whilst patents protect technical features, design protection is growing for the automotive industry as companies progressively recognise the benefits of strong design protection portfolios to ward off copycats and potential free-riders.

HGF’s strong automotive team combines in-house experience, academic accomplishments and a strong commercial focus to deliver IP strategies for leading multinational brands, SMEs and academic innovators in this fast-moving, future-facing field.