Joby Hit with $117M Verdict: What It Means for JOBY Stock

A federal jury in Florida ruled that Joby Aviation must pay over $116.9 million to Aerosonic, a subsidiary of TransDigm Group, for breaching a non-disclosure agreement and misappropriating trade secrets related to air data probes used in eVTOL aircraft.

The dispute began after the companies signed an NDA in 2021, with Aerosonic supplying air data probes to Joby. In March 2025, Aerosonic sued Joby, alleging that Joby used its proprietary designs to develop its own probes. Joby countersued, claiming Aerosonic breached the NDA and provided defective parts.

The jury sided entirely with Aerosonic, rejecting all eight of Joby's defenses and counterclaims. It awarded $68.6 million for the NDA breach, $29.9 million for trade secret misappropriation, and $18.3 million in exemplary damages because Joby's actions were deemed 'willful and malicious.'

Joby has vowed to pursue post-trial and appellate remedies, so the verdict isn't final yet. However, if it stands, the financial impact is manageable given Joby's $2.3 billion cash pile.

For Joby, the immediate financial hit is small relative to its cash reserves. The company burns about $743 million annually, so the $117 million payout would reduce its runway from roughly 37 months to 35 months. That's a minor dent, not a fatal blow.

However, the reputational damage could be more significant. Being found liable for willful trade secret misappropriation might strain relationships with current and future suppliers, potentially making negotiations tougher or leading to stricter terms.

For TransDigm, the verdict validates its subsidiary's intellectual property and provides a financial windfall. It also sends a message that the company will aggressively defend its trade secrets, which could deter others from similar actions.

In the competitive eVTOL space, where partnerships and supplier trust are crucial, this verdict could give TransDigm more leverage while Joby works to rebuild its reputation.