Amazon Accused of Using TuffAir Trade Secrets to Develop Its Own Air Cargo Model

TuffAir, a regional air freight company, filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the e-commerce giant launched a "copycat operation" based on TuffAir's trade secrets. Amazon allegedly requested information from TuffAir, then walked away from discussions and built its own version of the air logistics services model. TuffAir contends that Amazon used its trade secrets to develop its own version of a similar model, including regulatory pathways, aircraft routing strategies, and proprietary operational forecasts.

An Ohio-based regional air freight company, TuffAir, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the e-commerce giant launched a "copycat operation" based on TuffAir's trade secrets. The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Ohio on July 1, 2025, details a series of events that TuffAir claims demonstrate Amazon's misuse of confidential business information.

According to the lawsuit, Amazon expressed interest in a potential partnership or acquisition with TuffAir, requesting detailed disclosures and engaging in multiple rounds of communication with key executives. However, after securing access to TuffAir's materials, Amazon abruptly ceased communications and unveiled a remarkably similar regional air cargo model within months. This model, TuffAir contends, was developed using the same technical, operational, and strategic elements that TuffAir had disclosed during their discussions.

TuffAir maintains that its strategy is unique, designed to facilitate cheaper, faster regional air transit for freight. The company spent years developing a confidential business plan and technical models for a scalable regional air cargo system, integrating small-aircraft logistics, FAA exemptions, Ohio-based test zones, and proprietary software and flight routing technology. Despite its assertion that it has "spent years" on its business, TuffAir's website states that it plans to launch in the fall, with high-performance aircraft, lean operations, and a scalable model to connect overlooked freight corridors across the Midwest.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon's actions have led to "lasting harm to TuffAir’s market opportunity, investor confidence, and proprietary lead." TuffAir seeks an injunction preventing Amazon from using or disclosing any of its confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information, as well as a declaratory judgment stating that Amazon infringed on its rights and monetary damages in an amount to be determined.

Amazon has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

References:
[1] https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/business-news/tuffair-amazon-regional-air-freight-lawsuit-trade-secrets-logistics-1234754927/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tuffair-claims-amazon-launched-copycat-163114474.html