The 50 Most Inventive Companies

Industry: Communications equipment
CEO: William J. Merritt

 Total patents 2005-2009: 717

 Total employees: 299

 Market Cap: $1.09 billion



 Notable breakthrough: InterDigital’s technology subsidiary has had its hand in the evolution of cellular phone technology since the 1960s. Specifically, the company helped develop High Speed Download Packet Access and High Speed Upload Packet Access, which allow 3G network users to turn their phones into mini personal computers.