Automotive
The Automotive sector is working on new energies, new forms of distribution and new high-tech applications. This brings along all kinds of legal challenges that require creative solutions and specific knowledge of this sector. Our large Automotive Team consists of car-enthusiasts and has that knowledge. And as a full-service firm, we can advise on each legal aspect.
We assist our Automotive clients with the transition to new distribution systems, such as the transition from a traditional dealership model to an agency model. From advice on the implementation, to the actual negotiations with the dealers. And as we have a strong worldwide network of international firm in place, we operate and coordinate internationally and serve as one-stop-shop.
We are highly specialized in matters regarding connected vehicles and IoV (Internet of Vehicles). Furthermore we advise on rolling out charging station networks and the admission of new vehicles to the European market. We also guide mergers & acquisitions and product recalls within the Automotive sector. In addition, we advise on competition law aspects, take action against counterfeit replacement parts and provide advice on how our Automotive clients can best protect their IP. We also advise on vehicle performance claims and Big Data. And thanks to our lawyers' technology/engineering backgrounds, we are able to advise on complex technology issues.
Some examples of Automotive cases we have handled:
- Advice to a large OEM on connected vehicles / IoV, inter alia regarding data protection and the roll-out in Europe
- Assisting a large OEM with the Europe-wide transition from a dealership to an agency model;
- In-house support to a US OEM for market -entry and expansion in Europe;
- Drafting various commercial contracts, including T&C’s, lease-agreements, test-drive agreements and partnership agreements;
- Guidance on the rollout of a charging station network for a U.S. charging station manufacturer;
- Guidance on the admission of a self-driving car to the European market for a U.S. OEM;
- Advice to German and French OEM’s on sensor data in 'smart cars', its processing and service opportunities based on the processed data.
- Clearance of Europe-wide advertising campaign of a Japanese motorcycle OEM;
- Guidance on an acquisition of a group of car dealers in the Amsterdam region;
- Advising an US electric car OEM on setting up its corporate structure in the Netherlands;
- Drafting and supervising a purchase, lease and service contract of a large Dutch car importer;
- Advising a large dealer organization on the (un)legality of negative press publications;
- Conducting proceedings for a Czech Automotive group regarding unlawful statements;
- Strategic advice to a Dutch car brand on its brand portfolio;
- Assistance to an OEM regarding a securities bond loan;
- Assistance in a dispute over intellectual property rights to car tires;
- Advice on obtaining trademark rights to an Automotive brand;
- Guidance on the rollout of high-tech parking solutions;
- Competition law advice to industry associations for European leasing companies;
- Competition law advice on emergency call centers and roadside assistance point;
- Enforcement of an OEM’s intellectual property rights against a former licensee/distributor.
