Archer Aviation, a California-based maker of electric aircraft, has won a competitive bid process to acquire Lilium’s portfolio of around 300 advanced patent assets for €18 million ($21 million).
The portfolio includes patents related to key innovations in high-voltage systems, battery management, advanced aircraft design, flight controls, electric engines, propellers and ducted fans.
Archer said the acquisition strengthens its position in next-generation electric aviation and reinforces its commitment to ensuring the US “leads the way” in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology.
Founded in 2015, Lilium has spent over $1.5bn developing advanced technologies related to eVTOL aircraft.
The acquisition means that Archer’s patent portfolio now includes more than 1,000 assets worldwide.
“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,” the company said.
Archer added that it believes Lilium’s ducted fan technology could unlock future development in both the light-sport and regional air mobility sectors.
Lilium is a German aerospace company and the developer of the Lilium Jet, a personal eVTOL aircraft.