Automotive

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From design to distribution & understanding the industry & a partner to rely on & for the road ahead & putting you in the driving seat & a truly international team & that’s Automotive with Bird & Bird

A truly international firm & organised around our clients & passion and insight & connecting with our clients’ vision & commercial advantage & where service matters & that’s Bird & Bird

Overview

With experts in key jurisdictions across EMEA and Asia Pacific, our Automotive Group lawyers are ready to help you wherever you are located.

The automotive industry today faces a wide range of issues and challenges, ranging from classic supply chain, liability and IP matters through to exciting changes driven by disruptive technology, such as connectivity, autonomous driving and e-mobility. The pace of change means that it's now more important than ever for automotive companies across the entire supply chain to stay ahead of the game. 

Whether traditional automotive players, new entrants or future disruptors, automotive clients benefit from our market leading expertise and knowledge of industry practices.

We can provide you with a full range of commercial and strategic advice spanning the entire lifecycle of a motor vehicle, including:

  • Commercial contracts, such as  supply contracts, development, distribution and tooling agreements, logistics, software and technology contracts
  • Product safety and liability matters, including warranty, recalls and field actions 
  • Protecting and exploiting your IP
  • Financing, investment and strategic partnerships 
  • Cartel investigations 
  • M&A and merger control
  • Regulatory and environmental matters 
  • Import and export controls
  • Connectivity and data protection 

In addition, our longstanding automotive sector experience, combined with our focus on technology and the digital world makes us well placed to guide you through the challenges and opportunities posed by the rapidly changing landscape in connected and autonomous driving, electric vehicles and new mobility concepts. 

Click here to view our autonomous driving portal.
 
If you'd like to know more about how we can help your business, please contact Head of Group Christian Kessel in Frankfurt.

 

 

Contacts

Kessel-Christian

Dr. Christian Kessel, LL.M

Partner
Germany

Call me on: +49 (0)69 74222 6000
vCard Location

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Recent highlights of work

  • We advised one the world's largest producer of aluminium Alcoa Inc in restructuring and subsequent sale of its European wire harness and electrical distribution business division in Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Portugal, Romania, Ireland and UK.
  • We advised Audi AG in connection with the total IT procurement, Enterprise 2.0 System, car-to-car connectivity and similar matters.
  • We advised global vehicle components manufacturer Delphi Automotive on the acquisition of the motorised vehicles business of automotive connector manufacturer FCI S.A.
  • We advised the multinational sports car manufacturer Ferrari S.p.A on contracts with importers in the Asia Pacific including dealers in Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
  • We advised on the rebranding of a MNO in the UK which transitioned from two existing brands. We were engaged early on in the project in order to 'clear' and advise on the risk of the new brands and supporting propositions for the new 4G service. Closer to delivery we obtained trade mark protection for the new brands through our filing service, and advised on seeking protection for innovative trade marks such as colours, animated marks and sounds.
  • We advised the international manufacturer of motorcycles Kawasaki on business and operational matters including product liability, termination of distribution agreement, dealing with the bankruptcy of distributors and difficulties in the relationship with distributors.
  • We assisted Michelin, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world, in the transfer of ongoing business (outsourcing) and commercial/IT related contracts.
  • We provide ongoing legal advice to Neapco Europe GmbH regarding a multitude of legal and contract law issues.
  • We advised TomTom, a leading manufacturer of navigation systems in Europe, on and drafting of a Framework Supply Agreement with Renault.
  • We provide ongoing advice for the automotive components manufacturer Valeo for over 15 years on various patent disputes and infringement litigations including matters regarding parking sensors, head lamps, windshield wipers and rain sensors in passenger cars.
  • We provide advice to one of the leading manufacturers of motor truck braking systems Wabco in numerous patent disputes in Germany, among other things in several infringement complaints before the Düsseldorf Regional Court and opposition proceedings in Munich.

Related materials and downloads

News & Events

  1. 0805-2018

    Cyber risks in the automotive industry

    The Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which aims to increase the security of network and information systems across the EU, becomes law in each Member State on 9 May 2018.

  2. 0805-2018

    Contracts, Warranty and Product Liability in the Chinese Automotive Industry

    The article provides deep insights for European suppliers about the unique legal environment in China, particularly from a contract and product liability law perspective.

  3. 1101-2018

    Focus on the automotive industry: Community Design protection of alloy wheel rims and the Repair Clause

    On 20 December 2017 the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) handed down its judgement in a long-standing case regarding the protection of alloy wheel rims and the scope of the repair clause.

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