Joby Aviation hit with $116.9-million verdict in trade secrets lawsuit

A federal jury reached a verdict last week in the latest lawsuit surrounding the burgeoning market for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The jury in Tampa, Fla., found that air taxi startup Joby Aviation owes roughly $116.9 million to aviation supplier Aerosonic after it allegedly breached a confidentiality agreement and mishandled trade secrets. Aerosonic sued Joby last year after selling it air data probes that measure pressure around an aircraft. The Clearwater, Fla.-based supplier claimed that Joby used its proprietary designs and data to develop its own probes. Joby shares, which have shed more than 55% so far this…