Jury orders Joby Aviation to pay $116.9 million for trade-secret breach

In a federal trial in Tampa, Florida, a jury concluded that Joby Aviation owes Aerosonic approximately $116.9 million for alleged breaches of a confidentiality agreement and misuse of trade secrets. Aerosonic, which supplied air-data probes to Joby, claimed the startup incorporated its proprietary designs into its own probes, a process it said would have taken a decade without the stolen information. The jury awarded more than $48 million for trade-secret misappropriation and over $68 million for violating the nondisclosure pact.

Joby rejected the findings, asserting its air-data system was the result of years of independent engineering, and announced intentions to seek post-trial and appellate relief. The verdict follows a series of lawsuits involving Joby and rival Archer Aviation, including accusations of corporate espionage and government fraud. Both companies are racing to launch commercial electric air-taxi services, with Joby eyeing the United Arab Emirates and Archer targeting Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. The decision is not final and may be challenged in higher courts.