Archer Aviation announced on October 15, 2025, that it has won a competitive bid to acquire approximately 300 patents from defunct German eVTOL developer Lilium for €18 million ($21 million), expanding its intellectual property portfolio to more than 1,000 patents related to advanced air mobility.
Archer said it won the rights to the patent portfolio through a competitive bidding process held as part of Lilium’s insolvency proceedings.
The patents cover a wide range of technologies, including high-voltage systems, battery management, flight controls, aircraft design, electric propulsion, propellers, and ducted-fan systems. Archer said the portfolio would enhance its existing technology base and support future development across urban air mobility, light-sport, and regional aircraft applications.
“Lilium’s pioneering work advanced the frontier of eVTOL design and technology,” Archer said in a statement. “By acquiring this portfolio, Archer strengthens its position as a technology leader and expands its ability to develop next-generation electric aircraft.”
The announcement came as Archer’s Midnight aircraft made its debut at the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. The company recently reported that the aircraft reached an altitude of 7,000 feet during flight testing as it continues to expand the test envelope ahead of FAA certification.
Founded in 2015, Munich-based Lilium was one of the earliest entrants in the eVTOL sector, developing a ducted-fan design aimed at quiet, high-speed regional operations. The company raised more than $1.5 billion over the past decade but struggled to secure sufficient funding to complete certification and production. Lilium filed for insolvency in 2024 after failing to obtain new investment or government loan guarantees, leading to the sale of its remaining assets, including its intellectual property portfolio.
Archer’s purchase of Lilium’s patents comes at a time when consolidation is increasing across the advanced air mobility sector. With several eVTOL developers facing financial headwinds and certification delays, better-capitalized companies such as Archer are acquiring technology and engineering talent from distressed rivals to strengthen their own programs.
Following the announcement, shares of Archer Aviation rose about 8.5% in morning trading on October 15. The company’s stock reaction reflected investor confidence that the deal could enhance Archer’s technological depth and streamline development.
The San Jose, California-based company is targeting commercial operations of its Midnight air taxi later this decade. Archer has received investments and strategic support from Stellantis and United Airlines, which plans to integrate the Midnight into its future regional network for short-haul, zero-emission flights.
The company said the acquisition of Lilium’s intellectual property reinforces its goal of becoming a long-term leader in the electric aircraft market. “This acquisition provides us with a unique opportunity to build upon years of innovation and bring the benefits of electric aviation to a broader range of customers and applications,” Archer said.
Archer plans to continue developing its eVTOL technology in parallel with the FAA certification program for Midnight while integrating the newly acquired Lilium patents into its engineering and design efforts.