SmartSky Wins $22.7 Million Patent Verdict Against Gogo Over 5G Aviation Technology

Delaware jury finds Gogo infringed on air-to-ground transmission patents as separate billion-dollar lawsuit looms

SmartSky Networks has secured a significant legal victory against business aviation connectivity provider Gogo, with a US District Court jury in Delaware awarding $22.7 million (€19.6 million) in damages for patent infringement related to 5G inflight technology.

The Patent Dispute

The jury determined that Gogo violated SmartSky’s patents covering ground-based air-to-ground transmission systems—the technology that enables Gogo-equipped aircraft to receive broadband services. These patents are fundamental to the 5G connectivity infrastructure that both companies are developing for the business aviation market.

The legal battle centers on whether Gogo’s 5G technology, currently in development and approaching launch, unlawfully uses intellectual property developed and patented by SmartSky Networks.

A Billion-Dollar Shadow

This $22.7 million verdict may be just the opening salvo. SmartSky has filed a separate lawsuit seeking damages potentially reaching $1 billion, alleging what the company describes as “predatory and deceptive practices” by Gogo. The nature and specifics of these alleged practices have not been publicly detailed, but the substantial damage claim suggests SmartSky believes Gogo’s actions extended beyond simple patent infringement into broader anticompetitive behavior.

Gogo’s Response: Defiant and Undeterred

Gogo issued a strong statement rejecting the jury’s findings and signaling its intention to fight the verdict through every available legal channel.

“We are disappointed with today’s verdict and respectfully disagree with the outcome,” the company stated. “From the outset, we have maintained that Gogo’s independently developed 5G technology does not infringe SmartSky’s asserted patents, and their claims of patent protection are invalid.”

Gogo characterized the litigation as an anti-competitive maneuver, stating: “We believe that the evidence supports our conclusion and that this litigation is an attempt to stifle legitimate competition and innovation in the aviation connectivity industry.”

The company emphasized it has “strong grounds for appeal on both liability and damages” and will “vigorously pursue all available legal remedies, including post-trial motions and appeals.”

Business as Usual—For Now

Critically, Gogo stressed that the verdict does not impact its operations or the pending launch of its 5G service. “While we disagree with today’s verdict, it has no impact on our operations or the pending launch of our 5G service,” the company stated.

Gogo reaffirmed its commitment to its technology roadmap: “As we work to resolve this matter fully, Gogo remains committed to delivering multi-orbit, multi-band in-flight connectivity technology and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

What This Means for Business Aviation Connectivity

The verdict adds a new layer of complexity to the already competitive business aviation connectivity market. Gogo has long dominated the air-to-ground segment in North America, but faces increasing pressure from satellite-based competitors like Starlink, which recently secured a major contract with NetJets for over 600 aircraft.

SmartSky Networks, meanwhile, has positioned itself as an alternative to both traditional ATG providers and satellite systems, promoting its own ground-based network as offering superior performance for business aviation.

The outcome of Gogo’s appeals—and the resolution of the larger $1 billion lawsuit—could significantly impact the competitive landscape, potentially affecting:

• Technology development timelines for Gogo’s 5G service
• Market positioning and credibility for both companies
• Customer confidence in choosing connectivity solutions
• Innovation dynamics in the aviation connectivity sector

The Road Ahead

With Gogo committed to appealing and a billion-dollar lawsuit still pending, this legal battle is far from over. The aviation connectivity industry will be watching closely to see whether SmartSky’s patents prove to be a genuine barrier to Gogo’s 5G ambitions—or whether Gogo’s appeals succeed in overturning a verdict it characterizes as fundamentally flawed.

For now, Gogo appears determined to proceed with its 5G launch regardless, setting up a high-stakes scenario where legal and business strategies collide in one of aviation’s most rapidly evolving technology sectors.