Welcome to The Driverless Commute, presented by the global law firm Dentons, a digest clocking the most important technical, legal and regulatory developments shaping the path to full autonomy.
More than 500 years after Leonardo Da Vinci built his famed robotic cart, which was self-propelled and capable of pre-programmed maneuvering, the world is finally entering the era of driverless vehicles capable of safely negotiating busy city streets and winding country roads through the use of use of radars, lasers, cameras and GPS technology.
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are being touted by technology firms and traditional carmakers alike for their possible use as on-demand robo-taxis and shared-fleet vehicles, shuttle buses and package-delivery vans, long-haul trucks and row-crop tractors. Governments are looking at them for their potential to reduce the staggering number of vehicle-related deaths, lessen fuel consumption and emissions, provide mobility to the elderly, and optimize urban land use by eliminating the need for parking spaces and structures.
Dentons AV team can help you navigate the still-evolving patchwork of national, regional and local laws, regulations and guidance relating to the development and deployment of AVs. Whether you are a vehicle manufacturer, automotive OEM, vehicle or parts retailer, driverless technology firm, bus, taxi, transit or truck fleet operator, auto liability insurer or finance company; or are outside the sector considering the implications of automated vehicles for your business or already preparing for implementation of AV technology, we offer a full array of tech, regulatory, transactional and litigation support to startups, small businesses and large multinationals.
Dentons is able to deliver on all fronts because our Autonomous Vehicles group draws its members from multiple practice areas like transportation, infrastructure, energy, public policy and advocacy, corporate transactions, capital markets, insurance, real estate, intellectual property and venture technology, among others. We hail from multiple offices around the globe, including in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, Singapore and Australia. Finally, we have extensive automotive and technology sector experience and a deep understanding of the emerging business issues impacting these industries.
Dentons delivers creative, stand-out solutions to help you achieve your strategic objectives, minimize your risk and grow your market share. In addition to our strong bench in the tech and automotive sectors, our global footprint uniquely positions us to provide you with timely solutions to your most complex business and legal issues no matter where you are located or do business.
Dentons is the world’s largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Referral Network. Dentons’ polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work. www.dentons.com.
Our Editors
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Eric J. Tanenblatt Principal Washington, DC: +1 202 496 7373 Atlanta: +1 404 527 8114 |
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James A. Richardson Managing Director Washington, DC: +1 202-408-9160 |
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Crawford Schneider Associate Managing Director Atlanta: +1 404 527 8398 |