Archer Aviation categorically denied allegations made by rival Joby Aviation over 'stolen' trade secrets, Eric Lentell the company's chief legal & strategy officer told Khaleej Times on Friday.

“Joby alleges we used their trade secrets to win a 'deal' with a developer but the reality is that Archer has no deal with this developer and Mr Kivork did not bring any Joby confidential information to Archer," Lentell said in a statement.

Joby on Wednesday filed a lawsuit in Santa Cruz, California, that Archer hired away a Joby employee, George Kivork, who took confidential information to Archer about its business strategies, partnership terms and aircraft specifications.

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Lentell, who is currently in the UAE attending the Dubai Airshow 2025, denied of any wrongdoing and countered:“Joby is now improperly attempting to achieve through bad faith litigation what it cannot accomplish through fair competition."

Lentell, however, declined to comment to a question by Khaleej Times if they are going to file a counter lawsuit.

“Archer remains focused on building the future of advanced aviation in America,” he said.

A Reuters report said“Joby declined to comment beyond the text of (their) complaint.”

Joby requested an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a court order blocking Archer from misusing its trade secrets.

Both Joby and Archer are racing to take their flying taxis or eVOTL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft to market next year.

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