Archer Aviation has filed counterclaims against rival Joby Aviation, alleging the company misrepresented itself as an American-made manufacturer while relying on Chinese supply chains.
The counterclaim, filed Monday in federal court, is part of an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs. Archer alleges that Joby sourced key aircraft components through a Chinese manufacturing subsidiary and suppliers connected to the Chinese government.
According to the filing, Archer claims Joby attempted to conceal these ties by misclassifying shipments of Chinese-origin aircraft materials as consumer goods in customs documentation.
Joby rejected the allegations. Alex Spiro, an attorney representing Joby Aviation, said the claims lack merit.
“Archer’s constant legal issues and flailing business operations have left it no choice but to resort to invented nonsensical theories,” said Alex Spiro. “We will see them in court.”
The countersuit follows a lawsuit filed by Joby in November in California’s Santa Cruz County Superior Court accusing Archer of trade secret theft. In that case, Joby alleges that former employee George Kivork brought confidential company information with him when he joined Archer, which then used the information.
Both Archer and Joby became publicly traded companies in 2021 through mergers with special purpose acquisition companies and are developing electric air taxi systems for urban air mobility as well as defense-related applications.
The timing of Archer’s counterclaim comes as both companies compete for government-backed initiatives aimed at accelerating advanced air mobility technologies.
Earlier this year, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump directed the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to launch a pilot program designed to speed the development and commercialization of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
In the complaint, Archer alleges that Joby has promoted its aircraft as being “Committed to American Innovation” while receiving significant U.S. government funding, including contracts with the United States Air Force.
Both companies recently applied to participate in the pilot initiative, formerly known as the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program.
On Monday, the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration approved eight proposals covering 26 U.S. states. Archer secured approval for three of the proposals, while Joby received approval for five.
Source: TechCrunch