Archer acquires Lilium patent portfolio

Archer Aviation Inc., a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has won the competitive bid process to acquire Lilium GmbH’s portfolio of ~300 advanced air mobility patent assets for 18 million euros ($21 million), including patents relating to key innovations in high-voltage systems, battery management, advanced aircraft design, flight controls, electric engines, propellers, and ducted fans. Archer’s portfolio now includes over 1,000 patent assets worldwide.

This acquisition strengthens Archer’s leadership position in next-generation electric aviation and reinforces its commitment to ensuring the U.S. leads the way when it comes to critical eVTOL technology. The transaction follows industry consolidation in the advanced air mobility sector, including a recent acquisition of Volocopter by a Chinese buyer.

“Lilium’s pioneering work advanced the frontier of eVTOL design and technology, and we’re excited to bring their cutting-edge technologies into the fold at Archer as we advance our product roadmap,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. Over the course of its development, Lilium – founded in 2015 –  spent more than $1.5 billion to develop the key enabling technologies related to its visionary eVTOL platform that was regarded by many as technologically ahead of its time. Through this purchase, Archer gains key enabling technologies that bolster its current platforms, including what is believed to be the leading patent portfolio on ducted fan technology in the world.

In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration announced the modernization of the special airworthiness certification (MOSAIC) final rule to drive innovation across the light-sport sector. Archer believes Lilium’s ducted fan technology could unlock future development in both the light-sport and regional air mobility sectors.