Connolly Bove Automotive Attorneys
Current economic conditions, regulation and globalization present unprecedented challenges for the automotive industry. Competition has never been more intense as financial hardships, pressures to innovate, and demands for greener products abound. Connolly Bove’s automotive industry practice group has the unique combination of business savvy, intellectual astuteness and legal experience to help our auto industry clients, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), first- and second-tier suppliers, aftermarket suppliers, and related industry clients address the full spectrum of business and legal intellectual property issues they confront.
We understand the complex systems integrating mechanisms, electronics and material science in automotive and component design, which enables us to protect our automotive industry clients’ competitive technical edge. Our automotive intellectual property attorneys are well equipped to assist our clients, helping them develop growth opportunities and preparing them to emerge in a strong strategic position with a competitive advantage.
IP Smart
Many of Our Automotive Attorneys Have Advanced Degrees that Strengthen Our Automotive Practice.
Technological advances, green initiatives and global challenges make it essential to devise innovations and protect them in the global marketplace. Vigilance in protecting IP and avoiding litigation has taken on primary importance for our clients.
Our attorneys possess diverse technical capabilities, industry know-how and 40 years of proven experience with automotive design intellectual property protection. We have handled cases involving a broad array of component part technologies, including:
- combustion
- cylinder design
- aspiration
- turbocharging
- exhaust flow enhancement
- vehicle frames and suspensions
- transmissions
- continuously variable drives
- anti-lock brake systems
- faring design
- speed control
- hybrid and alternative fuels
- metering of performance
- engine and drive-train control systems
- vehicle interior components
- fuel system components
- passive restraint systems
With advanced degrees in mechanical, electrical and metallurgical engineering and hands-on automotive experience gained from working in the industry, we have a comprehensive understanding of the technology involved and can identify the best ways to protect our clients’ innovative products and discoveries. Our all-encompassing IP practice group handles design protection and infringement defense, IP portfolio management and the full range of litigation required to protect our clients’ creative endeavors. Our attorneys have represented and advised such notable businesses as Honda, Parker Hannifin, Honeywell, Hyundai Motors, Kia Motors, Fujitsu, Gail Banks Engineering, Traction Products, Inc., Brose and Amerigon in obtaining numerous patents for designs and technology innovations, including:
| navigation systems | emissions control systems |
| drive control | steering systems |
| traffic safety | transmissions |
| theft-deterrent systems | fuel injection systems |
| automated maintenance scheduling | lead acid batteries |
| onboard computers and user interfaces | LED tail light assemblies |
| all types of internal parts | seat air-conditioning systems |
| waste gates | window operating and seat operating mechanisms |
| intercoolers | seatbelt mechanisms |
Business Savvy
Our Automotive Attorneys Understand Intellectual Property Issues as They Relate to Your Business.
Connolly Bove auto industry patent attorneys represent key players in the automotive industry. With an intimate knowledge of automotives gleaned from working in the field with industry giants and their creative teams, we regularly represent automotive equipment and parts suppliers, as well as after-market vehicle manufacturers. On behalf of our clients, our auto industry intellectual property practice group:
- negotiates and drafts intellectual property licensing agreements
- counsels clients on trademark, trade name and service mark selection, registration and protection
- prepares and prosecutes trade name, trademark and service mark applications in the United States and in foreign markets
- advises on and procures patents, licensing restrictions and IP optimization
- provides patent infringement, validity and licensing opinions
- counsels with respect to unfair trade practices and false advertising
- negotiates and drafts supply and distribution agreements
- devises legal and business co-development and collaboration agreement strategies
- advises on green project development
- brings and defends automobile design infringement cases
- manages patent portfolios
- enforces and defends against patent claims
Our litigators are skilled in all dispute resolution methods. However, when a case cannot be resolved informally, Connolly Bove’s patent litigators aggressively seek the most efficient solution to a litigation challenge. We find ways to leverage favorable settlements and frequently obtain summary dispositions in the early stages of litigation. In fact, the firm’s patent litigators have an impressive track record of success, not only in the federal and state courts, but also before the U.S. International Trade Commission, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings.
Client Connected®
Our Automotive Attorneys Develop Opportunities and Advantages for Our Clients.
Connolly Bove’s automotive practice group represents all sectors of the automotive industry, including vehicle manufacturers, first- and second-tier suppliers, after-market manufacturers, remanufacturers, and equipment suppliers. Taking a cross-disciplinary approach, collaborating with our clients and applying practical, problem solving solutions, we are able to achieve cost-efficient, timely results and effective protection of our clients’ IP interests. We stay informed about industry customs, standards and practices, tracking and advising our clients on legal and industry developments and always striving to provide comprehensive, high-value service to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Representative Matters
- Honeywell International, Inc. v. ITT Industries, Inc., 330 F. Supp.2d 865 (E.D. Mich. 2004), aff’d452 F.3d 1312 (Fed. Cir. 2006)
- Hoover Universal, Inc. v. Atoma Int'l of America, Inc., Civil Action No. 91 CV76475DT (E.D. Mich.)
- Karl Hassel, Sr. v. Chrysler Corp., 43 U.S.P.Q.2d 1554 (S.D. Ohio 1997)
- Gates Power Drive Products, Inc. v. Litens Automotive Partnership, Civil Action No. 92-256 (D. Del. 1993)
- MacPike v. American Honda Motor Co., No. 92-30094/LAC, 1993 WL 632261 (N.D. Fla. Oct.1, 1993)
- Patent Holding Company v. Delphi Automotive Systems Corp., Civil Action No. 99CV76013AC (E.D. Mich. 2008)
- Takata Corporation v. Delphi Automotive Systems Corp., Civil Action No. 01CV00746KAJ (D. Del. 2003)
- Parker-Hannifin Corp. v. Wix Filtration Corp. and Champion Laboratories, Inc., Case no. 1:07-cv-1374-SO (N.D. Ohio 2009)
- Parker-Hannifin Corp. v. Champion Laboratories, Inc., 2008 WL 1843922 (N.D. Ohio Apr. 22, 2008); 2008 WL 3166318 (N.D. Ohio Aug. 4, 2008)
- Parker-Hannifin Corp. v. Wix Filtration Corp., Case No. 1:06-CV-0098 (E.D. Calif.)
Resources
Automotive News