Federal Court Dismisses Key Joby Aero Trade-Secret Claims
A California federal court dismissed several trade-secret and contract claims in a legal battle between electric aircraft developers Joby Aero and Archer Aviation.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed several trade-secret and contract claims filed by Joby Aviation against Archer Aviation, as well as counterclaims filed by Archer. The September 29 ruling narrows the scope of a legal conflict that began in 2025.
Joby Aviation originally sued Archer Aviation alleging that George Kivork, a former leader of Joby's state and local policy team, stole confidential aircraft specifications, partnership terms, and business strategies. Joby claimed a forensic investigation revealed Kivork sent dozens of files to a personal email and modified security permissions to maintain access after his departure. Joby further alleged that Archer used these stolen secrets to undercut a real-estate developer agreement.
The court's decision to trim these claims comes amid intense competition in the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft sector, which has seen frequent disputes over patents and trade secrets.
