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Gogo Patent Verdict: $22.7M Award to SmartSky
Gogo patent verdict: a federal jury in the District of Delaware has awarded SmartSky Networks $22.7 million after finding Gogo Business Aviation infringed ATG (air-to-ground) and 5G in-flight Wi‑Fi patents.
The verdict covers SmartSky’s claims around beamforming handoff and spectrum reuse technologies used in business aviation connectivity. The jury returned the decision in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware; the award totals $22.7 million against Gogo Business Aviation, the defendant in the case.
SmartSky Networks argued that Gogo’s air-to-ground systems and 5G-capable equipment unlawfully used patented methods that help aircraft maintain continuous, higher-capacity links to ground stations. Gogo has publicly disputed the findings and said it will appeal the judgment while defending its engineering practices.
Why the Gogo patent verdict matters
The ruling is significant for business aviation connectivity because it touches core ATG and in-flight 5G techniques that several operators are racing to deploy. Beamforming handoff improves signal quality as jets move between ground nodes; spectrum reuse helps operators squeeze more capacity from limited radio frequencies. For SmartSky, the award is a legal win that could influence future equipment licensing and competitive strategy in the market.
- Impact: the Gogo patent verdict may prompt renewed licensing talks and sharper legal scrutiny across ATG/5G suppliers and operators.
Gogo told stakeholders the verdict will not affect its ongoing 5G service rollout or daily operations while the company pursues an appeal. That response aims to reassure business-jet operators and retrofit partners that planned network upgrades and installations will continue without interruption.
For customers and industry watchers, the case highlights how intellectual property disputes can shape the rollout pace and vendor choices for connectivity aboard aircraft. Expect follow-on filings and possibly an appellate battle that could clarify how airborne 5G and ATG patent portfolios are enforced going forward.
