As new federal and state laws and regulations are issued governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones and drone technology continues to advance, companies in a wide range of industries are increasingly using drones for commercial purposes. They are finding that a multitude of tasks can be completed more quickly, cheaply and thoroughly with drones than was previously possible. Cozen O’Connor’s aviation attorneys operate at the cutting edge of the rapidly changing UAS industry.

We offer drone commercial operators, manufacturers, owners, airports, and municipal governments the full complement of regulatory, transactional, and litigation services. Cozen O’Connor has longstanding relationships with major companies in industries now making advantageous use of drone technologies, including public utility, energy, insurance, transportation, and real estate companies.

• Our attorneys closely monitor the fast-evolving UAS regulatory landscape. We assist clients in obtaining Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations; act as a liaison between drone operators and FAA regulators; and provide thoughtful guidance on FAA regulatory compliance.
• Cozen O’Connor has extensive experience defending clients from operational liabilities that are likely to be the focus of UAS-related disputes: common law privacy claims, product liability, intentional torts, cybersecurity, risk management, intellectual property, and state attorneys general enforcement.  
• We guide business transactions that require an up-to-the-minute understanding of the drone 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 drone use and commercial opportunities.

Our aviation practice is ranked by Chambers and The Legal 500, and Cozen O’Connor is listed as one of six “go-to firms” for aviation-related legal counsel by Law360. Our attorneys regularly present and author articles on drone-related legal issues, focusing on both UAS regulatory and liability/litigation issues.

Representative Matters

• Assisting a manufacturer of innovative drone products to obtain FAA approval to operate its drones on behalf of commercial customers. This was one of the first such approvals granted by the FAA for a drone product of its type.
• Advising a major global insurance company on its use of drones in underwriting and claims assessment.
• Advising major U.S. corporations on obtaining FAA approvals to operate drones.
• Regularly providing counsel to a wide range of clients, including drone manufacturers, airlines, airports, and corporations (including several Fortune 500 companies) on drone regulatory, licensing, compliance, liability, litigation, and contracting issues.