Automotive & Transportation Systems
Protecting the Components, Systems, and Platforms Driving Mobility Innovation
The automotive and transportation sectors are undergoing rapid transformation—from electrification and autonomous systems to advanced materials, powertrain efficiency, and smart infrastructure integration. At Schmeiser Olsen, we help clients protect the engineering innovations that improve safety, performance, and environmental impact across vehicle platforms and transportation systems.
Our attorneys work with automotive OEMs, suppliers, EV startups and recognized EV companies, and R&D teams to secure enforceable IP covering critical components, control systems, and mechanical integration across combustion, hybrid, and electric platforms.
We protect the systems that move people and goods—efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
Patent Strategy for Vehicle Systems and Mobility Platforms
Protecting innovation in automotive systems requires a focus on mechanical performance, thermal behavior, structural integrity, and dynamic control. Our patent strategy is tailored to capture improvements in both individual components and vehicle-wide integration. We help clients secure patents that reflect real gains in efficiency, manufacturability, durability, or regulatory compliance. We routinely draft and prosecute patents covering:
Powertrain & Propulsion Systems
– Internal combustion engine components with reduced friction, weight, or emissions
– Electric drivetrains, inverters, and motor cooling systems
– Hybrid integration systems and regenerative braking control
– Transmission and differential mechanisms with adaptive torque management
Vehicle Chassis, Suspension & Structural Design
– Crash-optimized frame geometries and energy absorption components
– Active suspension systems and dynamic damping technologies
– Modular chassis platforms and lightweight structural reinforcements
– Multi-material bonding techniques for aluminum–steel or composite integration
HVAC, Thermal & Energy Management
– Battery thermal management systems (BTMS) and heat exchange methods
– Climate control integration with waste heat recovery
– Refrigerant systems with low-GWP formulations and smart flow control
– Active grille shutters and aerodynamic thermal aids
Vehicle Control, Safety & Automation
– Steering and braking system architecture for ADAS and L2–L4 automation
– Redundant actuator systems for fail-safe autonomous driving
– Tire pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise, and lane-keeping mechanisms
– Sensor mounting systems and protective enclosures integrated into bodywork
Mobility Infrastructure & Smart Systems
– Charging connector designs and secure vehicle–grid interfaces
– Connected vehicle systems for fleet management or traffic coordination
– On-board diagnostic hardware and integration with cloud-based analytics
– Modular subassemblies designed for reuse or upgrade across vehicle models
practical insight
Navigating Challenges in Automotive Patent Strategy
Patent protection in the automotive space requires careful coordination with regulatory standards, lifecycle planning, and cross-disciplinary design. We help clients address:
– Enablement for performance claims across diverse driving conditions
– Design-around risk in highly competitive subsystems (e.g., braking, HVAC, charging)
– IP strategy across generations of vehicle architecture
– Global protection aligned with multi-region manufacturing and sales
– Joint development and tiered supply chains—ensuring IP rights reflect true inventorship and ownership
We support engineering teams and in-house counsel in building portfolios that track with model release cycles, platform upgrades, and market positioning.
Partner with Counsel Who Understand Automotive & Transportation Systems
At Schmeiser Olsen, we work with energy innovators, utilities, and infrastructure developers to protect the systems that drive power generation, transmission, and reliability. Whether you’re building utility-scale turbines or developing pipeline control systems, we help ensure your engineering innovations are protected and aligned with commercial goals.
Protect the systems your industry depends on—with patent counsel fluent in mechanical infrastructure, energy systems, and field-ready innovation.
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