Archer Aviation wins Lilium’s 300 electric aircraft patents, boosting its IP portfolio and hinting at expanded eVTOL and regional electric flight plans.
Although electric aircraft startup Lilium shut down operations a year ago, its innovative technology is getting a second life at Archer Aviation.
After multiple failed restructuring attempts, Lilium’s assets were put up for competitive bidding by a bankruptcy administrator. Archer Aviation emerged as the winner, acquiring all 300 of Lilium’s patents for €18 million ($21 million), beating out competitors Ambitious Air Mobility Group and Joby Aviation, which confirmed it participated in the bidding.
Lilium’s Rise and Fall
Founded in 2015, Lilium developed vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of speeds up to 100 km/h. The company raised over $1 billion from investors, including Tencent, and even secured a 100-jet order from Saudi Arabia. Lilium went public on Nasdaq in 2021 via a SPAC merger with Qell but ultimately ran out of cash before delivering its products.
Despite its challenges, Lilium’s patents cover critical eVTOL technology, including high-voltage systems, flight controls, ducted fans, and advanced aircraft design — assets that Archer describes as a “strong addition” to its growing intellectual property portfolio, now totaling over 1,000 patents globally.
What This Means for Archer
Archer Aviation, which also went public via a SPAC merger in 2021, initially focused on building an air taxi network. It recently expanded into defense, teaming up with Anduril to develop a hybrid gas-and-electric VTOL aircraft for military applications.
While Archer hasn’t revealed exact plans for Lilium’s patents, industry insiders suggest the electric ducted fan technology could be applied to light-sport or regional electric aircraft, potentially expanding Archer’s reach beyond urban air taxis.
The Bottom Line
The acquisition of Lilium’s patents marks a significant consolidation in the eVTOL sector, preserving valuable technology and giving Archer a stronger foundation to innovate in electric aviation. For the growing electric aircraft industry, it’s a reminder that even failed startups can leave behind technology with long-term impact.
