Joby Aviation (JOBY) Stock: Takes Archer to Court as Air Taxi Battle Heats Up

TLDR

• Joby Aviation filed a trade secret lawsuit against Archer Aviation in California state court this week over a former employee who joined Archer in July
• Joby claims the ex-employee downloaded confidential files about aircraft details, deal terms, and business plans before leaving the company
• Archer denies all allegations and says it will vigorously defend itself, calling the lawsuit an attempt to gain a competitive advantage
• JOBY stock rose over 60% in 2025 while ACHR stock fell more than 25% during the same period
• A court hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, with both companies continuing their push toward commercial electric air taxi operations

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Joby Aviation filed a trade secret lawsuit against Archer Aviation in California state court this week. The complaint centers on a former Joby employee who left the company in July and later joined Archer.

Joby claims the ex-employee took confidential files containing information about the company’s business plans, deal terms, and aircraft characteristics. The company says a review of digital records showed the employee sent Joby files to a personal email account. The review also found changes to access controls for additional files.

Joby Aviation, Inc., JOBY

The lawsuit alleges Archer used this information during an August pitch to a real estate group. Joby says the group had been in discussions with Joby before Archer approached them. The real estate group later told Joby that Archer appeared to know details about the proposed Joby deal.

Joby is seeking financial damages and a court order to prevent Archer from using the alleged trade secrets. The company described the conduct as corporate espionage in its court filing.

Archer Pushes Back on Claims

Archer rejected the allegations in an 8-K filing with the SEC. The company stated it will dispute the complaint and defend itself vigorously. Archer’s chief legal officer told CNBC the lawsuit “has no merit.”

Archer maintains the employee did not share any Joby files. The company says Joby is trying to use the courts to gain a competitive edge rather than competing in the market. Archer said it plans to stay focused on its path toward commercial flight operations.

Stock Performance Tells Different Stories

The two companies have moved in opposite directions this year. JOBY stock climbed over 60% in 2025. ACHR stock dropped more than 25% during the same period.

Both stocks fell on Thursday after news of the lawsuit broke. Joby shares declined about 5%. Archer shares dropped roughly 8%.

The stock moves came during a broader market downturn. Investors appeared cautious about the legal battle between the two air taxi developers.

A court hearing is set for March 20, 2026. This gives both sides time to prepare their cases and exchange evidence through the discovery process.

Legal experts note that trade secret cases can take months or years to resolve. The March hearing will likely address preliminary matters rather than settle the full dispute.

Both companies are working to launch commercial electric air taxi services in U.S. cities. They face similar regulatory hurdles and testing requirements. Each firm needs final approval from aviation authorities before carrying passengers.

The lawsuit does not appear to affect flight testing or aircraft development at either company. Joby and Archer continue their certification work with regulators. Neither company has indicated the legal case will delay their commercial launch timelines.

Investors will watch for new court filings as the case progresses. Legal costs could increase for both companies depending on how long the dispute lasts. Stock volatility may continue as investors digest news from the courtroom and assess the potential financial impact.

The companies remain focused on their core operations. Test flights, safety certifications, and partnership agreements will likely drive stock performance more than courtroom battles. Both firms have announced early customer deals and continue building their aircraft fleets.

A court hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, when the case will move forward.

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