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 patents, including ducted electric fan technology, from the bankrupt German eVTOL developer Lilium for $21 million, with plans to expand its product roadmap into areas like light sport and regional air mobility.
This acquisition highlights a broader trend of consolidation in the eVTOL industry, where financially struggling companies are selling off assets while well-funded players like Archer and Joby Aviation strategically acquire intellectual property, facilities, and businesses to strengthen their market positions.
Despite anticipated delays in commercial service timelines, the eVTOL sector is benefiting from supportive developments, including multinational regulatory agreements, increased defense investments in autonomy, and new FAA integration pilot programs.

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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.