Drones and Other Unmanned Vehicles

Over the last several years, drones and other unmanned vehicles have evolved from niche industries to main stream commerce regularly featured in the headlines. Drones are the favorite new gadget for many. However, drones and other unmanned vehicles, such as driverless cars, face significant complicated legal issues, ranging from public policy, product liability and mergers and acquisitions, to intellectual property, cybersecurity and data privacy. 

Orrick lawyers advise many companies in the drone and unmanned vehicle industries—both large and small—throughout the world. In addition to seeking our advice on corporate transactions and regulatory compliance, clients turn to us to handle significant patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, and product liability issues.

We represent clients ranging from the largest manufacturer of drones to small technology startups developing innovative new drone applications.

Why Orrick?

Legal Depth & Breadth. Our lawyers have a successful track record handling major matters in antitrust, intellectual property, mass torts and product liability, securities litigation, white collar defense, corporate and technology transactions, corporate compliance, public policy, cybersecuirty and data privacy.

Technology Acumen. Orrick team members hold advanced degrees in key technical fields, including physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and optics. We’re skilled in deconstructing and explaining complex technical issues—core to the success of our clients—to judges, juries, government officials, policy makers, and business people alike.

Emphasis on Innovation. We understand and value the role innovation plays in creating products that extend and improve the quality of life and in helping to build successful businesses. Recognized by Financial Times’ North American Innovative Lawyers report every year since its inaugural report in 2010, Orrick lawyers continually offer a creative and flexible approach to litigating cases and structuring transactions. By investing in new technologies and utilizing our centralized back-office Global Operations & Innovation Center, we provide meaningful solutions to serve our clients efficiently and cost-effectively.

Notable Recent Engagements

• Orrick lawyers represent the largest drone manufacturer in the world, DJI, in numerous intellectual property, corporate, compliance and litigation issues.
• Orrick lawyers represent one of the largest internet companies in legal and regulatory issues relating to driverless cars.
• Orrick lawyers represent Cruise Automation in its acquisition by General Motors.
• Orrick lawyers represent multiple technology startups and funds focusing on drones and driverless cars, e.g., Airware, Cruise Automation, PhaseFour, Revolution.