Aerosonic LLC v. Joby Aero, Inc.

Summary

The court grants Joby Aero, Inc.’s motion for leave to file under seal its motion for a protective order and Exhibits 1–4. Applying the common-law right of access and the good-cause standard, the court finds that the materials contain confidential proprietary information and alleged trade secrets, and directs Joby to file them under seal by December 3, 2025.

Holdings

1. A party may overcome the common-law right of access to judicial documents by showing good cause, which requires balancing the public's right of access against the asserted confidentiality interests; Joby made that showing for the motion and Exhibits 1 through 4.
2. Unless otherwise ordered, the sealed materials remain under seal until ninety days after the case is closed and all appeals are exhausted, subject to a timely motion for relief.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Joby established good cause to overcome the common-law right of public access and obtain leave to file its motion and exhibits under seal.
2. Whether redaction, pseudonyms, or another less onerous alternative would adequately protect the confidential information.

Disposition

other