Unprecedented challenges facing the automotive sector demand urgent re-evaluation of existing IP strategies

The car industry faces, simultaneously, the emergence of connected and autonomous vehicles and regulatory pressures to eliminate the internal combustion engine. Autonomy in particular requires innovations in artificial intelligence, mapping, sensors and connectivity. It has also triggered market entrants pursuing radical business models that threaten private car ownership.

With so much new investment being made in areas that IP struggles to protect (computer programs, computer-generated technology, data and business models), automotive companies need to reconsider the importance of trade secrets, confidentiality, copyright and designs.

The relative IP peace of the automotive sector is in question. Connectivity, and potentially autonomy, require vehicles to work the inventions in "standard essential" patents. Research from our new report found that 86% of industry experts expect to see more litigation in the automotive sector.

It has never been more important for the industry's players to identify and protect IP, to check freedom to operate and to review approaches to licensing. Produced in conjunction with Managing Intellectual Property magazine, our new report 'IP and the automotive sector' discusses the issues and offers advice for those that may be affected.