Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Files Lawsuit Against Archer Over Espionage Claims
Joby Aviation accuses Archer of corporate espionage over stolen trade secrets in eVTOL market ahead of FAA certification.
Joby Aviation Initiates Legal Action Against Archer Over Alleged Corporate Espionage
The race to dominate the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market has taken a litigious turn as of November 20, 2025. We are observing a significant escalation in the rivalry between two industry leaders, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Joby has filed a lawsuit in the California Superior Court, Santa Cruz County, accusing its competitor of “corporate espionage” and the misappropriation of trade secrets. This legal maneuver marks a critical moment in the sector, shifting the battleground from engineering hangars to the courtroom.
According to the complaint made public on Thursday, the allegations center on the transfer of proprietary data by a former employee who transitioned between the two companies. This lawsuit comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as both entities are burning significant cash reserves to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and launch commercial air taxi operations. The timing of this dispute highlights the intense pressure to secure not just technological superiority, but also the logistical infrastructure required for future networks.
We note that the market reacted swiftly to the news. Following the announcement of the lawsuit, shares of Joby Aviation fell approximately 4.5%, while Archer Aviation saw a decline of roughly 8-9%. These financial fluctuations underscore the sensitivity of investor confidence in a pre-revenue industry where intellectual property and competitive advantages are paramount assets.
The Core Allegations: Personnel and Proprietary Data
The lawsuit focuses specifically on the actions of George Kivork, formerly Joby’s head of U.S. state and local policy. Kivork resigned from his position at Joby in July 2025 to join Archer Aviation. Joby alleges that prior to his departure, Kivork engaged in a “planned and premeditated” effort to steal confidential information. Forensic investigations cited in the complaint reportedly reveal that the former employee transferred dozens of confidential files to a personal email account and downloaded others to an external device just days before resigning.
The nature of the allegedly stolen data suggests that the dispute extends beyond aircraft engineering into the strategic roadmap of commercial operations. The files in question reportedly contained proprietary analysis regarding vertiport sites,the takeoff and landing pads essential for air taxi networks,as well as regulatory strategies, aircraft specifications, and confidential partnership terms. By targeting policy and infrastructure data, the lawsuit suggests that the value of trade secrets in this sector is as much about regulatory navigation and real estate as it is about battery density or aerodynamics.
Archer Aviation has firmly denied these accusations. In response to the filing, the company described the claims as being “without merit.” Archer’s defense rests on the assertion that the employee in question was not involved in technical work and that the company maintains rigorous onboarding processes designed specifically to prevent the utilization of data from former employers. This “he-said, she-said” dynamic sets the stage for a complex legal discovery process.
“Joby claims Archer engaged in ‘planned and premeditated’ corporate espionage by hiring a former Joby employee who allegedly stole proprietary data before his departure.”
The “Smoking Gun”: Real Estate and Infrastructure Interference
One of the most specific and damaging allegations in the complaint involves the interference with a real estate deal. Joby claims to have uncovered evidence that shortly after Kivork joined the competitor, Archer approached a real estate developer with whom Joby held an exclusive partnership. The complaint alleges that Archer offered a “more lucrative deal” to this developer, leveraging inside knowledge of Joby’s existing contract terms.
This specific incident is presented as a “smoking gun” in the lawsuit. Joby asserts that this interference caused the developer to attempt to terminate their agreement, directly impacting Joby’s operational planning. This moves the allegations from the theoretical theft of digital files to concrete business damages. In the “winner-takes-most” environment of urban air mobility, securing prime real estate for vertiports is a zero-sum game, making detailed knowledge of a competitor’s real estate strategy incredibly valuable.
We must consider the broader implications of this specific claim. If proven true, it suggests that the competitive landscape has become aggressive enough to involve direct targeting of supply chain and infrastructure partners. This type of interference could complicate future negotiations for all players in the eVTOL space, as developers and municipalities may become wary of exclusive agreements in such a volatile competitive environment.
Financial Context and the Certification Race
To understand the gravity of this lawsuit, we must look at the financial health and operational status of both companies as of the third quarter of 2025. Both Joby and Archer are pre-revenue regarding commercial operations and are operating with significant net losses as they push toward certification. Joby reported a net loss of approximately $401 million in Q3 2025, while holding a cash position of roughly $978 million. Archer, bolstered by a recent equity raise, reported a cash position of approximately $1.64 billion against a net loss of roughly $130 million.
In terms of technical progress, the race remains tight. As of November 2025, Joby is in the final stage (Stage 4 of 5) of the FAA Type Certification process and has commenced “power-on testing” of its first FAA-conforming aircraft. They expect FAA pilots to begin flight testing in early 2026. Archer is following closely, having completed “transition flying” with its Midnight aircraft and securing Part 135 and Part 145 certificates. Archer also expects to begin piloted “for credit” flight testing by late 2025 or early 2026.
This is not the first time Archer has faced trade secret litigation. In 2021, Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing, sued Archer for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to aircraft design. That case was settled in August 2023, resulting in a Partnerships where Archer agreed to utilize Wisk’s autonomous flight technology. The recurrence of such high-profile legal disputes suggests that intellectual property litigation is becoming a standard tool in the fierce competition to define the future of Electric-Aviation.
Concluding Section
The lawsuit filed by Joby Aviation against Archer Aviation represents a significant friction point in the eVTOL industry’s trajectory. As both companies approach the finish line for FAA certification, the battle for market dominance is intensifying. The allegations of corporate espionage and interference with infrastructure deals highlight that the challenges facing these companies are not solely aerodynamic or regulatory, but also deeply rooted in corporate strategy and security.
As we look toward 2026, the outcome of this legal battle could have profound implications for the industry. Beyond the potential for financial damages or injunctions, the case will likely scrutinize how talent and information move between competitors in a highly specialized, narrow labor market. For investors and industry observers, this serves as a reminder that in the race to revolutionize urban transport, the legal risks may be just as volatile as the technical ones.
FAQ
Question: When was the lawsuit filed?
Answer: Joby Aviation filed the lawsuit on November 20, 2025.
Question: What are the main allegations against Archer Aviation?
Answer: Joby alleges “corporate espionage,” claiming a former employee stole proprietary data regarding vertiport sites, regulatory strategies, and partnership terms to help Archer.
Question: Who is the employee at the center of the dispute?
Answer: The complaint names George Kivork, Joby’s former head of U.S. state and local policy, who joined Archer in July 2025.
Question: How did the stock market react to the news?
Answer: Following the news, Joby Aviation shares fell approximately 4.5%, and Archer Aviation shares dropped between 8% and 9%.
Sources
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Toyota Form eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture
Joby Aviation and Toyota establish a joint venture to manufacture the S4 eVTOL, with Toyota holding a 51% stake.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) have formalized their nearly decade-long partnership by establishing a joint venture to manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new entity, named the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company, will focus on scaling commercial production of the Joby S4 Series eVTOL aircraft.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, following a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 8-K filing on June 29, 2026, the alliance combines Joby’s electric aviation technology with Toyota’s established production systems expertise. The joint venture will operate across locations in Santa Cruz, California, and Toyota City, Japan.
Joint venture structure and financial stakes
Toyota holds a 51 percent majority stake in the new manufacturing company, acquired through the purchase of 1.02 million shares for $1.02 million. Joby retains the remaining 49 percent stake, having purchased 980,000 shares for $980,000. The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board of directors, with three members designated by Toyota and two designated by Joby.
The agreement includes specific intellectual property licensing arrangements between the two parent companies. Joby will license certain aircraft-related intellectual property to the joint venture on a royalty-free basis. In return, Toyota will license manufacturing-related intellectual property to the venture, which includes certain royalty-bearing rights.
Scaling eVTOL production
The formal joint venture builds upon a foundation of significant financial and technical support from the Japanese automaker. Toyota has provided approximately $900 million in total capital to Joby to date. The automaker is already providing technical assistance as Joby establishes a series production line for the S4 eVTOL aircraft at a facility in Ohio.
In the June 30 press release, Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted the depth of the corporate relationship.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for Manufacturing our aircraft. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that the company views air mobility as a natural extension of its philosophy of providing mobility for all, expanding its focus from the ground into the sky to bring new value to society.
Certification progress and next steps
The manufacturing alliance aligns with Joby’s ongoing Certification efforts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the first quarter of 2026, Joby began flying its first FAA-conforming aircraft for type inspection authorization. This testing phase is a required step as the company works toward achieving full FAA type certification for the S4 Series.
With the joint venture now legally established, the two companies will begin integrating their engineering and manufacturing teams across the California and Japan facilities to prepare for high-volume aircraft production.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formalization of the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company as a critical de-risking event for Joby’s production ambitions. While designing and certifying an eVTOL aircraft presents significant regulatory hurdles, manufacturing these vehicles at scale with automotive-style efficiency is an entirely different challenge that has historically troubled aerospace Startups. By securing a majority-stake commitment from Toyota, Joby gains direct access to one of the world’s most proven manufacturing systems. Furthermore, the intellectual property arrangement, where Toyota retains royalty-bearing rights on its manufacturing processes, suggests the automaker sees long-term revenue potential in aerospace production beyond its initial capital Investments.
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
KBR Selected for Asia’s First Ethanol-to-Jet SAF Plant in Singapore
KBR will provide PureSAF technology licensing and FEED services for a 100,000-ton/year SAF facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.
PureSAF technology and project scope
The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”
The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.
Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates
The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.
Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.
AirPro News analysis
We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: KBR
Technology & Innovation
Mako Aerospace Indicates $28M Series A for Electric Jet Engine
Scottish startup Mako Aerospace indicates a $28M Series A to advance its superconductor-based all-electric jet engine prototype.
Mako Aerospace, a Scottish aerospace startups developing all-electric jet engine technology, has indicated the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round to advance its propulsion systems.
A URL published on the company’s domain outlines the capital injection for the Dunfermline-based manufacturers. Mako Aerospace is currently developing “The Forerunner,” an all-electric jet engine prototype utilizing superconductor technology designed to extend the range of electric aircraft.
Advancing all-electric propulsion
Led by Chief Executive Officer Kieran Duncan and Chief Operations Officer Pia Saelen, Mako Aerospace is focused on reducing operating expenses for aircraft operators. The company targets a 70% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional turboprop engines using its proprietary technology.
In September 2022, Mako Aerospace announced a partnerships with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to manufacture the prototype of its electric jet engine. The reported $28 million Series A would provide the capital required to scale this development and pursue experimental certification for the propulsion system.
Funding verification and industry context
The $28 million funding figure originates from a dedicated URL on the Mako Aerospace website. The primary press release is not currently accessible through public web searches, and the funding round has not yet been confirmed by regulatory filings or secondary financial press.
If completed, a $28 million Series A represents a substantial investments in the electric aviation sector. Startups developing novel propulsion systems require significant early-stage capital to transition from conceptual design to physical prototyping and testing.
AirPro News analysis
We note that while the $28 million figure is substantial for a regional aerospace startup at this stage, the lack of accessible public filings or widespread syndication of the press release warrants caution. Developing an all-electric jet engine using superconductors is a highly capital-intensive process. If the funding is fully realized, it will likely bridge the gap between the NMIS-supported prototype phase and initial ground testing. Certification by aviation authorities remains a distant and expensive hurdle for any novel propulsion technology.
Sources: Mako Aerospace
Photo Credit: Mako
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