Comments on: Ford’s Flash of PR Tackles “Flash of Genius” Fallout

By: todorojo

todorojo — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:02:05 +0000

The following are some snippets from this really good article http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/02/25/005398.html

“I don’t think the goal was the magnitude of the money,” Kearns said when the Ford case was ended. “What I saw (as) my role was to defend the patent system. If I don’t go further, there really isn’t
a patent system.”

U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn, who presided over five of Kearns’ trials, said Kearns was frustrated because he wanted to be a major manufacturer.

“He was feisty, determined and he established the fact that he made a contribution to the auto industry that was unique,” Cohn said. “His zeal got ahead of his judgment.”

Maureen Kearns said her father’s home was filled with legal files. After a point, she said, “his life was simply this battle.”

By: geeber

geeber — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:04:45 +0000

Robert Schwartz,

Judging from what I’ve read about the movie, a big part of the story is that he became obsessed with the case, and in the end, he “won” but it cost him his family and a big chunk of his life, and he never really enjoyed his victory. So refusing the $30 million settlement was to be expected, based on his obsession (assuming this is accurate).

By: Robert Schwartz

Robert Schwartz — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:15:00 +0000

In the ad for the flick now showing on TV, the inventor is offered a $30 million settlement, and refuses it because Ford won’t apologize. That is the single dumbest thing I ever heard of. No wonder he died broke and bitter. Take the money and run, always. Cash is the ultimate token of love.

By: seabrjim

seabrjim — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:34:59 +0000

Cavendel, You must be kidding!

By: MLS

MLS — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:02:01 +0000

I’ll be surprised if this movie grosses $5 million. Shouldn’t be much of a fallout, if any, for Ford.

By: Cavendel

Cavendel — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:05:15 +0000

1996MEdition :
I thought Lucas invented the intermittent wiper….I know all my MG’s wiper’s worked intermittently.

Was the patent on the actual design of the electronics or on the idea of wipers that pause for a couple of seconds. I can understand the former, but not the latter.

By: 1996MEdition

1996MEdition — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:27:38 +0000

I thought Lucas invented the intermittent wiper….I know all my MG’s wiper’s worked intermittently.

By: Lichtronamo

Lichtronamo — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:16:01 +0000

ferrarimanf355 –

That’s only because the intermittent wiper is infinitely more practical than the electric car…

By: SirRoxo

SirRoxo — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:11:45 +0000

its rather interesting to see Ford squirm a little about this. They know some people will take it seriously and think even to this day that their company might still be “crooked”.

I’m going to see this movie; it doesn’t look like a blockbuster for sure but as a car guy, why not?

By: Pig_Iron

Pig_Iron — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:19:00 +0000

I can tell you from personal experience, that if you’re lucky, you’ll get a plaque with a copy of the patent on the item you invented for the automotive industry and that’s about it – again if you’re lucky.

Lawyers have done a lot to stifle innovation and invention. People don’t give their best work if they know they’ll be denied credit and reward in return.

By: ferrarimanf355

ferrarimanf355 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:01:38 +0000

Even if this ends up as a PR disaster, it won’t be as big as “Who Killed The Electric Car”. You can quote me on that.