UPDATE: Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against Archer Aviation and former employee George Kivork, alleging corporate espionage in a shocking turn of events that could reshape the competitive landscape of the electric aviation industry. The lawsuit, filed in Santa Cruz, claims Kivork downloaded sensitive company files just two days before resigning to join Archer, a direct competitor.
Joby alleges that Kivork’s actions were not only unethical but also premeditated, undermining a critical agreement with a real estate developer. The company is demanding damages and a court order to prevent Archer from using the allegedly stolen information, which Joby argues could cause irreparable harm.
Kivork, who served as Joby’s U.S. state and local policy lead for over four years, resigned in July 2025. According to the lawsuit, he downloaded dozens of confidential files containing business strategies and technical details two days prior to his departure. Joby claims Kivork added his personal email as an “owner” of its Google Drive files, allowing him access to new information even after leaving the company.
In a statement from Joby, they described the alleged actions as “corporate espionage, planned and premeditated.” The lawsuit details how Kivork’s breach of contract has already had significant ramifications, including the termination of an exclusive agreement that Joby had with a developer. The developer reportedly received an offer from Archer that included specific terms only known to Kivork, leading them to believe that confidential information had been leaked.
As the lawsuit unfolds, Joby aims to secure a jury trial to address claims against both Kivork and Archer, including breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets. A case management conference is scheduled for March 2026, where further details may emerge about the allegations and the evidence being presented.
The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond just Joby and Archer. Both companies are at the forefront of developing electric vertical take-off and landing technology, a market seen as the future of urban transportation. Joby, founded in 2009, has collaborated with prestigious organizations like NASA and has received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force.
Archer, founded in 2018, has faced its own legal challenges, including accusations of misrepresentation and theft of trade secrets from other aerospace companies. This ongoing lawsuit could further complicate Archer’s position in the competitive electric aviation sector.
As of now, both Archer and Kivork have denied any wrongdoing. However, Kivork has allegedly threatened to delete the files rather than return them to Joby, raising the stakes even higher in this corporate showdown.
With the electric aviation industry rapidly evolving, the outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents regarding corporate ethics and intellectual property rights. Industry analysts and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as the ramifications of this case could impact not just the parties involved but the future of corporate practices across all tech sectors.
This developing story highlights the intense competition in the electric aviation market and raises critical questions about the lengths to which companies will go to secure an advantage. Stay tuned for updates as this case progresses.
