Archer Aviation Accuses Vertical Aerospace of Patent Infringement
Archer Aviation recently filed a complaint in the US District Court Eastern District of Texas, alleging that rival Vertical Aerospace has copied its “Midnight” aircraft design for its own “Valo” vehicle. The complaint seeks to prevent Vertical from using the allegedly infringing designs as well as other patented technologies.
According to the complaint, Vertical Aerospace has exploited Archer’s patented designs, gaining an unfair competitive advantage by leveraging the goodwill and reputation associated with Archer’s innovations. Both Archer’s Midnight and Vertical’s Valo are four-passenger electric aircraft with tilt-rotor propellers designed for vertical takeoff and landing, boasting a cruising speed of 150 mph and a maximum range of 100 miles.
Eric Lentell, Archer’s Chief Strategy and Legal Officer, expressed disappointment in Vertical’s actions, stating that the Valo aircraft mimics many of Midnight’s distinctive design features. Archer has invested significant resources in perfecting these designs, and Vertical’s alleged infringement is seen as an attempt to imitate a leader in the industry.
Vertical Aerospace, founded in 2016 by ex-Formula One team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick, aims to achieve air readiness certification for Valo by 2028. The company recently showcased a prototype of Valo in New York City and Miami, events that Archer claims bear resemblance to its own showcases in 2025.
Both Archer and Vertical require certification from aviation regulators before launching commercial air taxi operations. Archer, based in San Jose, has already obtained key operational certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration, while Vertical is targeting EASA and UK type certification by 2028.