Cozen O’Connor offers unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS) commercial operators, manufacturers, and owners the full complement of regulatory, transactional, and litigation services. Our attorneys closely monitor the fast-evolving UAS regulatory landscape. We assist clients in obtaining exemptions, waivers, and airspace authorizations; act as a liaison between UAS operators and FAA regulators, airports, and municipal governments; and provide thoughtful guidance on FAA regulatory compliance.

We guide business transactions that require an up-to-the-minute understanding of the UAS marketplace and regulations impacting the UAS industry. From negotiating complex contracts and business transactions to pursuing patent protection for new technologies, Cozen O’Connor works with industry leaders to expand UAS use and commercial opportunities. We have longstanding relationships with major companies in industries making advantageous use of UAS technologies, including public utility, energy, insurance, transportation, and real estate companies.

Our attorneys also have extensive experience defending clients from operational liabilities likely to be the focus of UAS-related disputes, including common law privacy claims, product liability, intentional torts, cybersecurity, risk management, intellectual property, and state attorneys general enforcement.  

SERVICES

• Assist manufacturers of UAS products to obtain FAA approval to operate their drones on behalf of commercial customers
• Advise investment funds on the regulatory aspects of equity stake in UAS delivery companies
• Advise UAS manufacturers on testing their products while complying with regulatory requirements
• Conduct detailed reviews of the feasibility of, and potential timeline for, the introduction of large-scale UAS operations, including for purposes of goods delivery, in urban and suburban areas
• Advise companies on obtaining UAS services for commercial purposes, including agricultural, utility, and real estate building surveys
• Advise clients on the relationship between federal, state, and local legal authorities to regulate UAS operations
• Counsel c-UAS manufacturers on testing products in international waters
• Provide counsel to a wide range of clients, such as UAS manufacturers, airlines, airports, and corporations (including several Fortune 500 companies), on UAS regulatory, licensing, compliance, liability, litigation, and contracting issues
• Advise insurance companies on the use of UAS in underwriting and claims assessment