TLDR
- Joby Aviation launched a trade secret lawsuit against Archer Aviation this week in California over a former staffer
- The complaint alleges the ex-employee took confidential documents about aircraft technology and business agreements before switching companies
- Archer denies wrongdoing and plans to fight the case, saying Joby is using courts instead of competing fairly
- JOBY shares climbed 60% this year while ACHR shares declined 25% over the same stretch
- The case moves to court on March 20, 2026, as both firms work toward launching passenger flights
Joby Aviation filed a lawsuit against Archer Aviation in California this week. The case centers on a former employee who worked at Joby before joining Archer in July.
The complaint alleges the worker took confidential company information before leaving. Joby says the files included details about aircraft technology, partnership terms, and strategic plans. Company records show the employee transferred documents to a personal email account.
Joby also claims the worker modified access settings for numerous additional files. The company believes this data ended up in Archer’s hands and was used for business purposes.
August Pitch Raises Questions
The lawsuit describes an August meeting where Archer pitched services to a real estate company. That same company had been in talks with Joby about a potential partnership. After the Archer presentation, the real estate firm told Joby that Archer seemed to know confidential details about the proposed Joby deal.
This discovery prompted Joby to investigate further. The company now wants monetary damages and a legal order preventing Archer from using the information. Joby’s court filing describes the actions as corporate espionage.
Archer Denies Everything
Archer Aviation responded quickly through an SEC filing. The company denies all accusations and says the lawsuit lacks merit. Archer’s legal team told reporters the claims are unfounded.
The company insists the former Joby employee never provided confidential files. Archer believes Joby filed the lawsuit to gain an edge in the competitive air taxi market. The company says it will continue focusing on getting aircraft certified and ready for commercial service.
Stock Performance Diverges
The two companies showed opposite stock trends in 2025. JOBY shares surged more than 60% year to date. ACHR shares fell over 25% during the same timeframe.
Thursday brought declines for both stocks after lawsuit news emerged. Joby dropped about 5% while Archer fell roughly 8%. Market weakness contributed to the selloff.
Legal Timeline and Business Operations
The court scheduled a hearing for March 20, 2026. That date will mark the next step in the legal process. Trade secret cases often stretch across many months as both sides gather evidence.
Legal expenses could rise for both companies. Stock volatility may continue as investors track court filings and new developments. The case adds uncertainty to both investment stories.
The lawsuit doesn’t impact flight testing or manufacturing operations. Both Joby and Archer continue working with aviation regulators. Each company pursues certification needed to carry paying passengers.
The air taxi industry remains in its early stages. Both firms compete to become first-to-market with commercial service. They face similar technical challenges and regulatory requirements.
Investors can expect updates as court proceedings advance. The March hearing will address initial legal matters. A final resolution likely sits months or years away depending on how the case unfolds.
The court hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, with both companies continuing their paths toward commercial air taxi operations.
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