Joby hit with $116.9 million verdict in eVTOL trade-secrets case

A federal jury in Tampa found for Aerosonic in a trade-secrets case against Joby Aero, awarding about $116.9 million. The dispute centers on air data probes, a small but critical sensor system for aircraft certification.

• $116.9 million jury verdict against Joby Aero
• Verdict filed on October 2, 2026
• AIN reported the case on October 5, 2026
• Aerosonic alleged misuse of air data probe trade secrets
• Joby said it disagrees with the verdict and plans post-trial and appellate remedies

Joby Aviation’s eVTOL push took a legal hit when a Tampa federal jury sided with Aerosonic, a Florida aviation sensor supplier. AIN reported that the jury awarded Aerosonic about $116.9 million in a case involving air data probes.

The case turns on equipment that sounds minor but is central to safe flight: probes that measure pressure around an aircraft. Aerosonic alleged Joby misused confidential information while developing its own probe system for its electric air taxi.

The verdict does not by itself stop Joby’s aircraft program, and Joby has said it will pursue post-trial and appellate options. Still, the size of the award is a reminder that eVTOL certification races are not only about batteries, rotors and test flights. Supplier relationships and intellectual property can become just as important.