Wills Wing Suspends Hang Glider Production Amidst Intellectual Property Controversy
Wills Wing, a legendary hang glider manufacturer, has announced a complete halt in production effective from May 15, 2026. The decision comes in the wake of unresolved issues concerning the ownership and authorization of crucial intellectual property associated with the brand and its operations based in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
This development signifies a pivotal moment for the iconic company, which has been a pillar of the hang gliding industry since 1973. The situation can be traced back to 2021, when Wills Wing shut down its long-standing California manufacturing facility after 48 years in operation. The production was then transitioned to a successor operation in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. This new operation was led by the famous competition pilot, Rudy Gotés, and the long-serving Wills Wing president, Steve Pearson.
Recent updates on the legacy Wills Wing website have introduced new uncertainties. An “Intellectual Property Notice” states that key assets, including the Wills Wing name and related intellectual property, are currently in dispute. The company’s leadership has indicated that the decision to halt production is due to ongoing legal and authorization issues that remain unresolved.
The production pause impacts the entire hang gliding community. Wills Wing has been one of the world’s largest and most respected hang glider manufacturers. Their product range includes:
- Training gliders
- Intermediate wings
- Competition-class aircraft
The company had been striving to establish its new Mexico facility as the successor to uphold the Wills Wing legacy and continue serving the global hang gliding community.
Source: https://aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=6ADCEACF-2196-447F-9C16-5F940BB9A804