Archer Aviation accuses rival Vertical Aerospace of ripping off its air taxi designs

Archer Aviation has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Vertical Aerospace, alleging that the UK-based firm copied key aspects of its proposed “Midnight” aircraft design for its own “Valo” vehicle, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air taxi. The lawsuit claims that Vertical Aerospace’s design bears significant similarities to Archer’s patented technologies, including its rotor configuration and control systems. Archer Aviation is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Vertical Aerospace from manufacturing or using the allegedly copied designs.