Alexander Kraus

Autonomous vehicles are now being developed in major metropolitan areas around the world. Because of their market value, these critical metro “Mega-Cities”, with their unique needs, could challenge the traditional role of national authorities for autonomous vehicle regulations, vehicles design and mobility services offered. We will discuss how more localized rulemaking and development for key metro areas could impact IP ownership and Licensing. This panel is composed of licensing & IP professionals, technical experts and members of rulemaking bodies and regulators, assembled to discuss serving these key "islands of autonomy". Success in creating volume applications for vehicles and services in these key markets for vehicle manufacturers and service providers is fundamental to their future viability. The stakes are high and the changes to markets are potentially significant. A recent KPMG study coined the term "islands of autonomy" made the observation that "we calculate a massive decline in personally owned sedans in the United States as a result of these islands, dropping from 5.4 million units (sold annually) today, to 2.1 million (annually) by 2030. This astonishing decline will lead to greater overcapacity in supply and further disruption in the market". Success in quickly identifying true needs in these mega-markets and providing high volume solutions will determine long term winners in this hugely expensive undertaking for auto makers, systems suppliers, services providers and IP owers/licensors.