Autonomous vehicles
Electric vehicles
Engines
The automotive industry is continually developing. Current drivers of innovation in the sector include improvements in performance, safety, efficiency and environmental credentials.
The sector’s major focus is the transition to electric vehicles. With range anxiety being at the forefront of customers’ consideration, optimising battery capacity and vehicle efficiency is critical. Advances in battery management, drive efficiency and regenerative breaking are key to the industry.
Alongside electrification, developments in internal combustion engine technology continue, particularly with a view to minimising emissions and maximising fuel efficiency.
Looking further ahead, resources in the automotive sector are also being directed to the development of autonomous vehicle technology.
The automotive team
Our automotive team is ideally positioned to assist manufacturers and inventors in protecting their innovations in the transition from hydrocarbons, through hybrid to fully electric vehicles. We have extensive experience in supporting clients in protecting their inventions in this sector. We have wide experience working on protecting battery management systems, battery chemistry, battery architecture as well as broader vehicle technologies. We are also adept at advising clients on oppositions and enforcement of patents in the automotive sector.
“The transition from combustion engines to electric traction is perhaps the biggest single change in the automotive industry in more than a century. It’s an exciting time to be protecting the innovations that underpin that.”
The automotive industry is continually developing. Current drivers of innovation in the sector include improvements in performance, safety, efficiency and environmental credentials.
The sector’s major focus is the transition to electric vehicles. With range anxiety being at the forefront of customers’ consideration, optimising battery capacity and vehicle efficiency is critical. Advances in battery management, drive efficiency and regenerative breaking are key to the industry.
Alongside electrification, developments in internal combustion engine technology continue, particularly with a view to minimising emissions and maximising fuel efficiency.
Looking further ahead, resources in the automotive sector are also being directed to the development of autonomous vehicle technology.
The automotive team
Our automotive team is ideally positioned to assist manufacturers and inventors in protecting their innovations in the transition from hydrocarbons, through hybrid to fully electric vehicles. We have extensive experience in supporting clients in protecting their inventions in this sector. We have wide experience working on protecting battery management systems, battery chemistry, battery architecture as well as broader vehicle technologies. We are also adept at advising clients on oppositions and enforcement of patents in the automotive sector.
What sets us apart
Development in the automotive industry is a complicated process, often involving multidisciplinary teams distributed round the world. Our own multidisciplinary teams – all within Boult – work with our clients to seek the broadest and best results. Collaboration is second nature to us. As such, we’re well-placed to advise across the full spectrum of technologies within the automotive sector and bring expertise in Europe, the UK and Germany. We are also adaptable in meeting the requirements of automotive clients, working carefully with them to draft, file and enforce their patent applications and patents.
Although the use of autonomous vehicles on the public highway is not common in most jurisdictions, there is already considerable use of autonomous machines in neighbouring sectors. Having worked with clients in those adjacent sectors, we are well-versed in the underlying technology, giving us a head-start on the development of autonomous technologies for use on the highway.
Assisting a growing company to develop its patent portfolio focused on the use of artificial intelligence to improve the operation and safety of autonomous vehicles.
Assisting a growing company to develop its patent portfolio focused on the use of artificial intelligence to improve the operation and safety of autonomous vehicles.
Assisting a growing company to develop its patent portfolio focused on the use of artificial intelligence to improve the operation and safety of autonomous vehicles.
Boult’s UPC team, led by Matthew Spencer and James Legg, was recognised by a win in the Europe Impact Case of the Year and Rachel Conroy, the Head of our Trade Marks Team, was named UK Trademark Attorney of the Year.
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dr Nadia Tyler-Rubinstein to Partner in our biotechnology team, effective 1 May 2026. Congratulations!
Explore the German Utility Model: a fast, flexible IP tool offering 10-year protection, unique grace periods and strategic "branch-off" advantages.
With e-waste up 82% since 2010, biodegradable batteries offer a sustainable path forward. We explore advances in 3D-printed polymers and zinc-based "Ziggy" batteries for a greener future.
