BREAKING: Joby Aviation has launched a significant lawsuit against competitor Archer Aviation and former employee George Kivork, accusing them of serious corporate espionage. The lawsuit, filed in **Santa Cruz** on **October 25, 2023**, claims that Kivork downloaded highly confidential files just two days prior to his resignation and shared them with Archer.
This urgent legal action arises from Kivork’s role as Joby’s U.S. state and local policy lead for over four years. After accepting a position at Archer, Joby alleges he breached his contract by downloading sensitive business strategies and technical details about Joby aircraft before departing. Joby claims this information has been exploited by Archer to undermine a critical agreement with a real estate developer, jeopardizing its market position.
Joby’s complaint states: “This is corporate espionage, planned and premeditated.” The company is demanding damages and an immediate halt to the use of the allegedly stolen information. Joby contends that without access to these files, Archer would have struggled to create a competing offer.
Kivork’s actions allegedly included adding his personal email as an “owner” of Joby files on Google Drive, enabling him to access new information even after his employment ended. This breach of trust has led Joby to conduct a forensic investigation, confirming the unauthorized downloads and subsequent email transfers.
According to the lawsuit, Archer’s competitive actions came just weeks before an exclusive partnership with the developer was to be publicly announced. The developer has since terminated the agreement, citing confidentiality breaches, which Joby attributes to Kivork’s disclosures.
The legal battle highlights the intense competition in the electric vertical take-off and landing sector, where both Joby and Archer are racing to innovate. Joby, founded in **2009**, has collaborated with **NASA** and received airworthiness approval from the **U.S. Air Force** for its groundbreaking technology.
Archer, established in **2018** in **San Jose**, has faced its own legal challenges, including accusations of misrepresenting technological progress to investors and allegations of theft from aerospace manufacturer Wisk Aero.
Joby’s lawsuit outlines: multiple claims against Kivork for breach of contract, breach of loyalty, and violation of California’s comprehensive computer data access and fraud act. Against Archer, Joby alleges inducement of breach of contract and unfair competition. They are also pursuing claims for misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference.
Joby is demanding a jury trial in this high-stakes case, with a management conference scheduled for **March 2026**. The outcome could have significant implications for both companies as they navigate this competitive landscape.
As this situation develops, the industry and investors will be watching closely. The ramifications of this lawsuit could reshape the competitive dynamics of the emerging electric aviation market.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
