Boston Dynamics settles patent dispute with Ghost, the military robotics firm.
Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics Drop the Legal Battle, Pick Up the Robot Innovation
After a two‑and‑a‑half year legal showdown over legged‑robot patents, the two companies have finally settled their differences on “mutually advantageous” terms. A joint statement issued on Wednesday announced that the dispute is over and set the stage for future collaboration.
Key Voices from the Parties
- Jason Fiorillo, Boston Dynamics’ Chief Legal Officer: “We’re pleased to resolve this dispute on mutually advantageous terms. Looking ahead, we hope to collaborate on common ground issues and build joint projects that push robotics forward both in the U.S. and worldwide.”
- Gavin Kenneally, Ghost Robotics co‑founder and CEO: “This resolution lets us shift our focus back to driving innovation. It reinforces our shared pledge to advance legged‑robot technology and opens doors for collaboration on policy and tech initiatives.”
What Sparked the Legal Storm?
The fallout began over a Boston Dynamics patent that Ghost Robotics allegedly used. The conflict took a back seat when Ghost’s stance on military‑mounted weaponry attracted a lot of scrutiny. Earlier, Boston Dynamics joined an open letter calling out the weaponization of what they called “general purpose” robots—an effort hamstrung by a viral image of a Ghost robot dog cradling an autonomous rifle.
Wider Contexts and Past Ties
Boston Dynamics hasn’t always been a tech‑purebred startup. Deep in its history, DARPA lent crucial support, and early robots were designed to haul payloads rather than fire arms. Ghost Robotics, by contrast, had shuffled in a less clear stance on weaponization.
Road Ahead
While the legal dust has settled, both firms are now looking to the horizon. By cutting ties over the patent dispute, they can redirect energy toward:
- Shared research on advanced legged‑robot navigation.
- Cross‑company policy forums to address robotics’ societal impact.
- Potential co‑development of new product lines that blend Boston’s engineering edge with Ghost’s agility.
In short, two former rivals have swapped their lawyers for a shared vision—ushering in a dawning era where collaboration trumps conflict. This courtroom catharsis signals that, ultimately, robotics enthusiasts may get more than they bargained for: a clearer path to building the future, one step at a time.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
San Francisco’s Robotics Rendezvous |
October 27‑29, 2025
Why the U.S. Needs a Plan Now
“Right now, the United States has no national robotics strategy,” Fiorillo warned.
The big players—China and others—are pouring cash into robotics and AI, setting high‑octane goals at the national level.
Without policymakers jumping in, the U.S. could be left trailing the pack.
The Two Companies & Their Mission
The duo are planning an early‑year meetup to brainstorm policy ideas that could boost both the companies and the entire robotics ecosystem.
What We’re Looking For
- Clear national directives for robotics & AI
- Funding channels for startups and innovation hubs
- Collaborative frameworks between industry and government
Ready to Join the Conversation?
REGISTER NOW