Intellectual Property for EV, Autonomous Systems, and Software-Defined Vehicles
Silicon Valley is a global center for electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and software-defined mobility. Companies developing next-generation automotive technologies face intellectual property challenges that span hardware, software, AI, sensing, and data-driven vehicle systems.
BHW IP Law advises automotive and mobility companies throughout Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto, on securing, enforcing, and defending intellectual property involving EV platforms, autonomy, and vehicle software. We work closely with engineering teams to protect innovations before public release, during commercialization, and in disputes.
Automotive and Mobility Technologies We Support
Electric Vehicle Components and Systems
We work with clients developing EV technologies such as:
- battery systems and charging architectures
- power electronics and thermal management
- vehicle energy management software
- onboard diagnostics and monitoring systems
Our team prepares and prosecutes patents covering EV hardware and software, and advises on infringement, design-around strategies, and freedom-to-operate.
Autonomous and Assisted Driving Technologies
We assist companies working on:
- perception systems (lidar, radar, camera fusion)
- localization and mapping
- path planning and decision-making algorithms
- sensor integration and vehicle communication systems
Our work includes both defending and asserting patents involving these systems, as well as post-grant challenges when competitors introduce similar technology.
Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture
We help protect innovations involving:
- over-the-air update systems
- in-vehicle operating systems
- connectivity and telematics platforms
- driver monitoring and in-cabin sensing
Our technical background allows us to work directly with engineering teams on code-based and hardware-integrated innovations.
Smart Accessories and Add-On Components
We assist clients working on accessories and aftermarket components that interface with vehicle electronics and data systems. These may include:
- advanced sensors
- driver assistance add-ons
- smart dashcams and vision modules
- connected navigation or performance systems
We advise on both patenting and defending these innovations in disputes with competitors.
IP Services for Automotive and Mobility Companies
Smart Accessories and Add-On Components
Our work spans drafting and prosecuting patents, conducting infringement and validity analyses, and representing clients in district court litigation, ITC actions, and post-grant proceedings. Experience on both sides of disputes gives us a practical understanding of how patents stand up in litigation.
Expert Declarations and Depositions
All partners at BHW IP Law have engineering backgrounds and industry experience. That technical foundation enables effective deposition and examination of opposing experts in matters involving complex automotive technologies.
Pre-Litigation Strategy and ADR
We often assist clients in resolving disputes through targeted pre-litigation efforts or in ADR settings. Clear presentations of technical issues can influence settlement positions and avoid unnecessary litigation.
Clearance, Right-to-Use, and Patentability Analyses
We conduct clearance studies and patentability assessments to help clients manage risk before launching new vehicle systems or software features.
Trade Secret and Employee Mobility Matters
We advise companies on protecting algorithms, proprietary models, source code, and other confidential information, particularly in environments where engineers frequently move between companies.
IP Due Diligence
We assist with diligence related to acquisitions, fundraising, and licensing transactions involving EV, autonomy, and advanced vehicle technologies.
Why Automotive and Mobility Companies in Silicon Valley Work With BHW IP Law
Stanford-Educated, Engineering-Trained Attorneys
All partners at BHW IP Law are Stanford graduates with engineering backgrounds. This technical foundation allows us to engage directly with engineers, founders, and in-house teams on complex automotive technologies.
Deep Silicon Valley Technology Experience
We understand how Silicon Valley companies build, iterate, and deploy EV, autonomy, and software-defined vehicle systems in fast-moving, venture-backed environments.
Focused Experience in EV, Autonomy, and Vehicle Software
Our practice centers on patenting and litigation involving battery systems, perception and sensing technologies, control algorithms, and software-centric vehicle architectures.
Collaborative, Business-Aligned IP Strategy
We work closely with internal teams to align IP strategy with product roadmaps, commercialization goals, and long-term growth.
Get Guidance from Automotive Intellectual Property Experts
If you are developing automotive or mobility technologies and require intellectual property guidance, please contact our Palo Alto office.
Do not provide any information that you consider confidential, until we have confirmed that there are no conflicts of interest and have formally agreed to establish an attorney-client relationship.