UPDATE: Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against Archer Aviation and former employee George Kivork, alleging serious corporate espionage. The urgent legal action, announced today, accuses Kivork of downloading sensitive files just two days before his resignation and sharing them with Archer, a direct competitor.
The lawsuit claims that Kivork, who served as Joby’s U.S. state and local policy lead for over four years, breached his contractual obligations by downloading numerous confidential documents, including business strategies and technical information about Joby aircraft. This incident allegedly occurred in July 2025, just before Kivork accepted a position at Archer in San Jose, California.
Joby alleges that this information has already been used by Archer to undermine an exclusive agreement with a real estate developer, threatening the company’s strategic partnerships and future growth. “This is corporate espionage, planned and premeditated,” Joby’s complaint states, revealing the high stakes involved.
Why This Matters NOW: The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both companies and the rapidly evolving electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market. Joby Aviation, founded in 2009, has collaborated with NASA and received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force. Meanwhile, Archer, established in 2018, is a major player in the same field and has faced its own legal challenges, including accusations of misrepresentation and trade secret theft.
Joby is demanding both monetary damages and an injunction to prevent further use of the allegedly stolen information. The lawsuit outlines various claims against Kivork, including breach of contract and violation of California’s data access laws, while accusing Archer of aiding and abetting these breaches.
The implications of this case extend beyond corporate rivalry; the lawsuit raises questions about data security and ethical practices in a competitive industry. Joby claims Kivork’s actions jeopardized its competitive edge and could irreparably damage its reputation.
Next Steps: A case management conference is scheduled for March 2026, where both parties will present their positions before a judge. As the legal battle unfolds, the tech world will be closely watching for developments that could reshape competitive dynamics in the eVTOL sector.
Joby has not provided additional comments, and Archer has yet to respond to requests for clarification regarding the allegations. With corporate espionage claims on the table, this case could set crucial precedents for the protection of proprietary information in the aviation industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
