Case Study: Autoliv secures a defended European patent for pedestrian airbag innovation with Mewburn Ellis

Autoliv secures broad European patent protection with Mewburn Ellis in 25+ years of representation

Autoliv, a Tier 1 supplier and the world's largest producer of automotive safety equipment, faced a challenge when a competitor opposed their key European patent for a novel pedestrian airbag. This opposition threatened crucial negotiations with a major OEM. Autoliv engaged the vendor, Mewburn Ellis, for representation.

Mewburn Ellis successfully defended the patent at the EPO, with the Opposition Division rejecting the challenge and maintaining the broad, powerful claims. The decision incorporated a key analogy from the hearing, affirming the invention's novelty. This outcome secured the patent's protection, fortified Autoliv's competitive position, and supported their commercial negotiations. The work was led by Mewburn Ellis Partner Simon Parry.

Autoliv