#USA #Wilmington #Gogo #SmartSky #Patent Rights

Legal Victory for SmartSky Against Gogo

SmartSky Networks recently celebrated a significant legal triumph in a patent infringement lawsuit against Gogo. An eight-member jury in a Delaware court found that Gogo willfully violated four of SmartSky's patents pertaining to their pioneering Air-to-Ground (ATG) internet technology. This groundbreaking system allows for reliable, high-speed internet connectivity during flights and operates within the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum.

The conclusion of the five-day trial on November 21, 2025, saw the jury unanimously ruling in favor of SmartSky, awarding the company approximately $22.7 million in damages to compensate for Gogo's unauthorized use of their technology. This ruling marks an important milestone in the defense of intellectual property rights within the competitive aerospace and telecommunications markets.

Ryan Stone, co-founder and leader of SmartSky Networks, expressed his elation regarding the verdict, highlighting it as a validation of SmartSky's technological contributions to the aviation sector. “As SmartSky has long maintained, our patented technology has been proven in court to be crucial for unlocking the potential of unlicensed spectrum for ATG use,” Stone stated. The effectively used technology is vital for the future of high-speed connectivity while airborne, reshaping the passenger experience.

SmartSky's legal battle with Gogo began back in February 2022 when Gogo introduced its new product, which allegedly was based on SmartSky's patented innovations. Though Gogo previously dominated the market for ATG connectivity in business aviation, primarily due to having exclusive licenses for specific radio frequencies, the jury's decision signifies a shifting dynamic in the industry. SmartSky successfully argued that Gogo not only infringed their patents but did so willfully, which is a pivotal point that could affect the penalties imposed.

Moreover, the jury upheld the legitimacy of SmartSky’s patents, counteracting Gogo's claims that tried to invalidate them. Legal expert Rodger Smith from Morris Nichols, who represented SmartSky, remarked that this verdict not only empowers SmartSky but also reinforces the importance of patent protection for smaller enterprises against industry giants. “This victory is significant not just for SmartSky, but for all inventors and innovators who rely on patent rights to safeguard their creations in the market,” he said.

Following this victory, SmartSky intends to pursue additional compensatory measures due to the jury's finding of willfulness regarding the patent infringement. This may involve enhanced damages and a running royalty for Gogo’s ongoing use of SmartSky's patented technologies, notably the '639 and '077 patents, which have protection until 2033 and 2035, respectively.

As the legal climate surrounding technology and patents continues to evolve, this case highlights the necessity of protecting intellectual property in fast-paced industries. The verdict represents a pivotal moment not only for SmartSky but could also influence future litigation trends involving patent rights and innovation, especially in sectors where technology rapidly changes and old systems are replaced. The outcome underscores the balance of power within technology-driven markets and that smaller players like SmartSky can successfully challenge larger competitors who seek to dominate without respect for intellectual property rights. The case will likely serve as a precedent for ongoing vigilance toward patent protection across industries.