Kearns converts his basement into a laboratory and develops a prototype of the intermittent wiper that he tests in a fish tank before installing it in his car. He patents his invention and demonstrates it for Ford researchers, who had also been working on a developing a new windshield wiper without success. Kearns refuses to explain how his mechanism works until he and Ford come to a financial and manufacturing agreement. Impressed with Kearns' invention, the executive, Macklin Tyler, asks him to prepare a business plan detailing the cost, which Robert intends to manufacture himself. Ford apparently did not like the idea of Kearns manufacturing the wipers himself. Considering this to be a sufficient commitment from Ford, he rents a warehouse to use as a wiper factory. He gives Ford with the financial information it requested along with a sample unit, then waits for their response. Time passes, and when nobody contacts Robert, he begins placing phone calls that are never returned. Tired and Frustrated, Kearns stops by Ford car show where they reveal the latest model of the Mustang with the intermittent wiper as a selling point.
Kearns decides to sue ford for the rights to manufacture the intermittent wiper, acknowledgement of his accomplishment, and the money he ahs rightfully earned. At trial, Kearns represents himself after attorney Gregory Lawson withdraws from the case because Robert refuses to settle. It was not until he made some progress that his ex-wife and children support him in his search for recognition. After multiple offers, Ford offers Kearns one last $30 million settlement, but with no admission of wrongdoing. He declines the offer and decides to let a jury decide their fate, who determines that Ford infringed his patents. The jury awards him $10.1 million. Kearns has received his recognitions and at the end it is indicated that Robert also wins $18.7 million from Chrysler as well.
I believe that Ford should have taken the second option. Ford would have another accessory that differentiated them from the other auto companies as well as the rights to the patent since Kearns would be Fords employee. Less time and money would be wasted than if Kearns had to manufacture and transport the wipers himself. Kearns would be part of Ford, therefore Ford would manufacture it along with its cars or use their own suppliers. This way the wipers would be Ford quality. Ford would also get a legitimate inventor, who already displayed a ‘flash of genius’ when he invented the intermittent wiper.