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Archer Files Federal Countersuit Accusing Joby of Concealing China Ties, Misclassifying Imports

The case spotlights foreign‑ties scrutiny during the rollout of newly approved FAA pilot projects involving both companies.

Overview

  • Archer’s countersuit, filed in U.S. federal court, alleges Joby presented itself as American‑made while relying on a Chinese manufacturing subsidiary and state‑supported suppliers.
  • The filing claims Joby or its agents mislabeled thousands of pounds of aircraft materials as consumer goods to evade U.S. tariffs and foreign‑influence oversight.
  • Archer further alleges Joby received grants and other financial benefits from the Chinese government, characterizing an undisclosed foreign dependency.
  • Joby denies the allegations, with attorney Alex Spiro calling them nonsense and saying the company will contest the claims in court.
  • The legal move answers Joby’s November trade‑secret lawsuit, now in U.S. district court, and coincides with DOT and FAA approvals naming Archer in three pilot projects and Joby in five.