Automotive
The impact of the automotive industry on the world economy has long supported the premise that what's good for automobiles is good for the world. Indeed, many manufacturing and service industries exist primarily to support the development and supply of the world's favorite mode of transportation.
Crowell & Moring LLP's long-time representation of members of the automotive industry has involved us in the full range of legal issues arising in a broad-based manufacturing industry. Those issues include: the protection of intellectual property essential in an inventive and highly competitive industry; the safety concerns implicit in mass marketing of consumer-operated high-energy machines; and the personnel and procurement problems unique to large employers selling to government entities.
Simply put, we have worked with every segment of the industry — original equipment manufacturers, suppliers of component parts, automotive trade associations, domestic and foreign companies, consulting firms, and research and development organizations.
Our Products and Torts capability, coupled with our presence in Washington, DC, enables us to address today's automotive safety issues for what they are: highly orchestrated assaults by a well-funded plaintiffs bar focused on the government, the media, and the courts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Congress have become increasingly important elements in plaintiff attacks on automotive products. This is particularly true in the present day environment of "regulation through litigation." We have deep experience addressing coordinated government-media-courtroom assaults by plaintiff groups on the automotive industry. That experience includes attacks based on rollover; crashworthiness; handling; automotive fire modes; tire failure/servicing; and rim design.
The Washington focus of automotive industry interests also brings into play C&M's expertise in Government Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Employment Law. We have counseled original equipment manufacturers on government procurement requirements. We have prosecuted patents and advised members of the industry on intellectual property protection for the entire range of automobile technological innovation - engine controls, computer systems, antilock braking systems, fuel calls, airbag igniters, repair systems, and paint. If it's on a car, we have filed to protect it. We have advised automotive component suppliers with respect to employment issues, including affirmative action plan requirements imposed on government contractors. We have advised automotive component manufacturers on contracts relating to technologically advanced batteries for electric and hybrid cars to comply with increasingly strict government regulatory requirements.
Whether the challenge facing our automotive clients is litigation, regulation, legislation, or prevention and counseling, our deep bench of experience enables us to assist.