UPDATE: Joby Aviation has filed a bombshell lawsuit against competitor Archer Aviation and former employee George Kivork, accusing them of corporate espionage. The lawsuit, filed in Santa Cruz, alleges Kivork downloaded sensitive company files just days before his resignation to join Archer.
This urgent legal battle centers on allegations that Kivork, who was the U.S. state and local policy lead for Joby, accessed dozens of confidential documents, including critical business strategies and technical data, only two days before announcing his departure. Joby claims this breach of trust enabled Archer to undermine an exclusive deal with a real estate developer, threatening the company’s competitive advantage.
In an explosive complaint, Joby states, “This is corporate espionage, planned and premeditated.” The company is demanding monetary damages and seeking a court order to prevent Archer from using the allegedly stolen information. Kivork’s actions are said to have jeopardized an 18-month exclusive agreement with the developer that would have allowed Joby to build and operate skydecks.
The lawsuit details that Kivork, who joined Joby in 2021, had previously signed agreements prohibiting him from sharing confidential information. However, just prior to his resignation in July 2025, he reportedly added his personal email as an owner of Joby files on Google Drive, enabling him to access sensitive information even after his employment ended.
Joby’s forensic investigation revealed that Kivork had indeed downloaded sensitive files before leaving, and the company asserts that Archer has already utilized this information to craft a competing offer, citing specific terms from Joby’s agreement that were meant to be confidential.
The implications of this lawsuit are profound, as Joby claims that Archer’s actions could result in irreparable damage to its business. Joby alleges multiple breaches against Kivork, including breach of contract and fiduciary duty, while also accusing Archer of unfair competition and misappropriation of trade secrets.
The legal confrontation not only highlights the intense rivalry in the electric vertical take-off and landing sector but also raises questions about corporate ethics in rapidly evolving tech industries. Both Archer and Kivork have denied any wrongdoing, with Kivork reportedly threatening to delete the files rather than return them.
A case management conference is scheduled for March 2026, where the court will address Joby’s claims. The stakes are high, as Joby seeks to protect its innovative technology and maintain its position as a leader in the aerospace industry.
As this story develops, it underscores the vulnerabilities companies face in safeguarding their intellectual property and the potential fallout from corporate espionage. Keep an eye on this case as it unfolds; the repercussions could resonate throughout the tech industry.
