Lonnie Johnson, the brilliant mind behind the iconic Super Soaker and a former NASA engineer, was awarded $72.9 million in a royalty dispute with Hasbro.
After inventing the Super Soaker in the early ‘90s, Johnson entered a royalty agreement with the toy giant in 1996—but years later, discovered they had underpaid him. He took them to court and won.
With over 80 patents and a background in aerospace engineering, Johnson has made a lasting mark on both science and pop culture. The Super Soaker alone has generated nearly $1 billion in sales worldwide.
This case is a powerful reminder: protect your ideas, negotiate your worth, and never underestimate the value of your inventions.
