Article prepared by and republished courtesy of our colleague Matthew Grosack; originally published here: https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2016/03/commercial-use-of-drones/.

The varying commercial applications of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – more commonly referred to as drones – across multiple industries poses a number of opportunities and challenges for companies both big and small.

On the one hand, UAS will give companies access to unprecedented insight and analytics into business operations and provide customers with new and potentially cost-effective commercial services. On the other hand, the commercial use of UAS is currently subject to regulatory scrutiny at both the federal and state levels, increasing liability exposure for prohibited uses or unauthorized operations.

As this technology becomes more mainstream and companies incorporate UAS into day-to-day business operations, it is important to consider the fluid and changing legal and regulatory framework governing what is and is not permitted.
Continue Reading Commercial use of drones: what is allowed? What is not? FAA, Congress and the states are weighing in