Legal dispute centers on alleged misuse of confidential business information
Joby Aviation has filed a legal complaint against Archer Aviation, claiming that a former employee took confidential information before moving to Archer. The complaint was submitted in the Superior Court of California in Santa Cruz County on November 18. Archer denies the allegations.
Background on the Complaint
Joby states that the former employee, who served as the company’s state and local policy lead, downloaded internal files shortly before leaving the organization. According to Joby, the files included business strategies, regulatory plans, infrastructure studies, and details of a real-estate partnership. Joby alleges that the employee kept access to some of those files after resigning.
Joby also says that the employee later joined Archer and that the information benefited Archer’s business development efforts. Joby claims that a real-estate developer ended strategic discussions with Joby after Archer approached them with what Joby describes as confidential terms.
In its complaint, Joby describes the alleged conduct as intentional. The company is seeking damages and a court order restricting any use of the information.
Archer’s Response
Archer strongly disputes the claims. The company says it has strict protocols to prevent new hires from bringing materials from past employers. Archer’s legal team reports that it conducted a review during the hiring process and found no evidence of Joby information in the employee’s possession.
Archer says that it has no agreement with the developer referenced in the complaint and rejects the suggestion that it used Joby’s data. The company states that the lawsuit is an attempt to gain an advantage in the competitive electric air-taxi sector.
Industry Context
The dispute highlights how competitive the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing sector has become. Joby and Archer are two leading firms working to certify aircraft and prepare for planned commercial service. Both companies are building partnerships with airports, real-estate developers, and cities as they move toward launch.
This is not the first high-profile trade-secret case in the advanced air-mobility market. Archer previously faced allegations from Wisk Aero in 2021. That case was settled in 2023.
The new complaint arrives at a key time for both companies. Each is working toward FAA certification and building out the infrastructure needed to support commercial operations.
What Comes Next
The case will now proceed through the California court system. Court filings, hearings, and responses from both sides will shape how the dispute develops. Neither company has indicated that the lawsuit will affect current certification or development timelines.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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