Archer Aviation has secured Lilium GmbH’s portfolio of roughly 300 advanced air mobility patents through a competitive bidding process, agreeing to pay €18 million for the assets. The acquired patents cover a broad spectrum of eVTOL technology, including high-voltage electrical systems, battery management, advanced aircraft configurations, flight control mechanisms, electric propulsion systems, propellers, and ducted fan designs.
The move is intended to strengthen Archer’s technical foundation and enhance its position in the next generation of electric aviation. By integrating Lilium’s intellectual property, Archer gains access to innovations that can be applied across its existing and planned aircraft platforms. Industry observers note that Lilium, founded in 2015, invested more than $1.5 billion in research and development to advance its eVTOL concepts, and its ducted fan patents are often cited as among the most comprehensive in the emerging market.
In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration finalized updates to the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, aiming to accelerate innovation in the light-sport aviation sector. Archer sees a clear opportunity to leverage Lilium’s ducted fan and propulsion patents under the new certification framework, supporting developments not only in urban air mobility but also in light-sport and regional air transport applications.
Company representatives highlight that the patent acquisition aligns with Archer’s strategic goal of ensuring U.S. leadership in critical eVTOL technologies. The added intellectual property is expected to bolster ongoing development efforts, while providing additional flexibility in aircraft design and certification pathways.
Archer Aviation is focused on designing, developing, and certifying the technologies and aircraft needed to advance electric aviation. With this transaction, the company further positions itself to meet growing demand for sustainable, on-demand air mobility solutions.
Source: Business Wire
