Archer Beats Out Joby for Lilium eVTOL Patents

Archer Aviation secures about 300 patents covering ducted fans, propellers, engines, and more.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Air taxi developer Archer Aviation has secured patents covering everything from ducted fans to aircraft design. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Archer Aviation acquired approximately 300 advanced air mobility (AAM) patents, including key ducted fan technology, for $21 million from the now-defunct German eVTOL developer Lilium.
This strategic acquisition significantly enhances Archer's technology portfolio and broadens its potential product roadmap, including exploration into light sport and regional air mobility sectors.
The eVTOL industry is undergoing a period of consolidation, with several companies struggling financially or shutting down, while leading players like Archer and Joby Aviation make strategic acquisitions to strengthen their market positions.
Despite financial challenges faced by some, the overall sector benefits from new multinational regulatory agreements and increased investment, setting the stage for growth among the stronger surviving companies.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation just got its hands on a fresh set of advanced air mobility (AAM) blueprints.

The California-based company on Wednesday announced it secured about 300 patents from German eVTOL jet developer Lilium for close to $21 million, winning a competitive bid process that reportedly included competitor Joby Aviation. Lilium—which had been developing a seven-passenger model with ducted fan-based propulsion—shut down its operations in February after failing to secure financing that would have kept it afloat during the rigorous development process.