The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated a formal investigation into Joby Aviation, a developer of electric air taxis, following a complaint by industry rival Archer Aviation. The complaint alleges that Joby violated US import laws through the importation of aircraft components and electrical systems intended for electric aircraft.
This legal dispute is part of an ongoing rivalry between the two California-based startups, both vying for certification and market dominance in the emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector. Archer claims that Joby misclassified Chinese-made components in shipping records and concealed ties to Chinese manufacturing, aiming to evade tariffs and project a fully American-made image.
Legal Background and Industry Implications
The investigation, announced on 9 April and expected to conclude within 45 days, focuses on whether Joby engaged in anticompetitive import practices violating the US Tariff Act of 1930. The ITC's decision could impact Joby's import strategies and future operations amid heightened scrutiny of foreign supply chains.
“Joby is confident in the strength of its intellectual property position and intends to vigorously defend itself,” said the company regarding the investigation. “Archer’s complaint aims to distract from other ongoing legal issues, including allegations of trade secret theft.”
Joby has previously filed suit against Archer in late 2025, accusing Archer and an employee of stealing trade secrets related to aircraft design and operations. Conversely, Archer has countersued, alleging Joby obscured its reliance on Chinese components and engaged in fraud concerning its manufacturing sources.
The dispute underscores the high-stakes competition within the eVTOL industry, which faces challenges in certification, regulation, and market demand. The outcome of the ITC investigation could influence the strategic approaches of both companies in the coming months.
