Archer Aviation Acquires 300 eVTOL Patents

By Hao Liu • Sunday, October 19 15:33 • Permanent Link

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has announced its successful acquisition of Lilium GmbH's portfolio of approximately 300 advanced air mobility patent assets for €18 million. This acquisition bolsters Archer's rapidly growing patent portfolio, bringing its total to over 1,000 patent assets worldwide. The Lilium patent portfolio encompasses key innovations in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, including ducted fans, propeller systems, high-voltage systems, battery management, aircraft design, flight controls, and electric engines.

Lilium, which was founded in 2015, dedicated over $1.5 billion to developing advanced technologies related to eVTOL aircraft. This substantial investment resulted in Archer acquiring what is believed to be the leading patent portfolio on ducted fan technology in the world.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, expressed excitement about integrating Lilium's cutting-edge technologies into Archer's product roadmap. This acquisition further solidifies Archer's leadership position in next-generation electric aviation and demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the U.S. leads the way in critical eVTOL technology.

The transaction follows industry consolidation in the advanced air mobility sector, including the recent acquisition of Volocopter by a Chinese buyer. This move by Archer comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration have announced the modernization of the special airworthiness certification (MOSAIC) final rule to drive innovation across the light-sport sector. Archer believes that Lilium's ducted fan technology could unlock future development in both the light-sport and regional air mobility sectors.

Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Archer, positioning the company to make significant strides in the rapidly evolving eVTOL industry. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved -8.9% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $11.87. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

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