Joby Sues Archer for Trade Secret Misappropriation

Joby Aviation, a developer of electric air taxis, has filed a lawsuit against rival Archer Aviation in California state court, accusing the company of misappropriating trade secrets through a former employee who joined Archer earlier this year. The complaint, lodged Wednesday in Santa Cruz County Superior Court and made public Thursday, alleges corporate espionage that interfered with Joby's business dealings.

The suit centers on George Kivork, who served as head of U.S. state and local policy at Santa Cruz-based Joby until his departure in July. Joby claims Kivork downloaded dozens of confidential files two days before leaving, including details on partnership terms, business and regulatory strategies, vertiport infrastructure, airport access, and technical specifications for Joby's aircraft. A forensic review revealed he sent some files to a personal email account and altered access controls for hundreds more, according to the complaint. Joby alleges Archer used this information in an August pitch to a major real estate developer already in an exclusive partnership with Joby. The developer informed Joby that Archer referenced specific confidential terms of the proposed deal,...