Joby Aero ordered to pay $117M in trade secrets case against Aerosonic

Aerosonic: Aerosonic is a Clearwater, Florida-based manufacturer of aircraft components, including air data probes and sensors. The company filed suit against Joby Aero alleging unauthorized use of its proprietary technology after prior sales and supply discussions. A federal jury recently ruled in Aerosonic's favor on claims of breach of non-disclosure agreement and willful trade secret misappropriation. Joby Aero: Joby Aero is a Santa Cruz, California-based company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for air taxi services. The firm has been engaged in a legal dispute with component supplier Aerosonic over the use of aircraft sensor technology. In the recent case, a federal jury found Joby Aero liable for breaching a confidentiality agreement and misappropriating trade secrets. Naveen Modi: Naveen Modi is an attorney with the law firm Paul Hastings. He represented Joby Aero in defending against allegations of breaching a confidentiality agreement and misappropriating trade secrets. The jury rejected Joby Aero's countersuit in the same proceeding. Todd Tucker: Todd Tucker is an attorney with the law firm Calfee, Halter & Griswold. He represented Aerosonic in its trade secrets litigation against Joby Aero in federal court. The case resulted in a jury verdict awarding damages to his client. Case Details: The litigation involved allegations that Joby Aero misused Aerosonic's air data probe technology following earlier business dealings, and the jury rejected Joby Aero's counterclaims regarding defective products. Legal Outcome: A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, determined that Joby Aero breached a non-disclosure agreement and willfully misappropriated trade secrets from Aerosonic in connection with aircraft sensors for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Company Response: Joby Aero has stated it strongly disagrees with the verdict and intends to pursue post-trial motions and appeals.