Automotive

Overview

Marshall Melhorn represents automotive aftermarket manufacturers as well as Tier I and II suppliers in acquiring and protecting intellectual property rights, navigating supply chain relations, commercial agreements, mergers, and acquisitions, employment issues, and litigation.

Our highly skilled practitioners are subject-matter experts who prepare and prosecute patent and trademark applications in the United States and work closely with foreign associates in handling international intellectual property matters.

We also counsel our clients preparing infringement and validity opinions regarding intellectual property and help clients in dealing with intellectual property matters with third parties. Additionally our attorneys advise clients on issues related to advertising and promotions, supply chain, mergers and acquisitions, employment, litigation, and other strategic matters.

Top Strengths

We have experience protecting intellectual property in a wide range of automotive technologies, including:

  • Preparing and prosecuting patents relating to
    • Off-highway and commercial vehicles
    • Tire inflations systems
    • Automotive control systems
    • Valve stems and seals
    • Electric axles
    • Transmissions
  • Drafting non-disclosure and joint development agreements with customers and suppliers
  • Drafting licensing agreements
  • Preparing and prosecuting trademark applications
  • Preparing and filing copyright applications

We have experience providing legal services associated with the auto industry, including:

  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Preperation and negotiation of terms and conditions of purchase and sale, customer agreements, long-term supply agreements, tooling agreements, vendor contracts, license agreements, joint venture agreements, independent contractor agreements, plant visitor agreements, and related contracts
  • Dealing with distressed suppliers and customers
  • Litigation with suppliers, customers, and competitors