Myhrvold has yet to go after any companies for licensing deals, but he has hired a business team to "take the stuff to market" next year, says Brent Frei, executive manager in charge of development who joined in June.

FORBES: Patent Stalker

As head of strategy and corporate development, he is in charge of mergers and acquisitions, venture capital relationships and global strategic alliances.

FORBES: HP's Chief Strategy & Technical Officer Suddenly Steps Down or Was He Fired?

Miss Gaudiani dropped in on its boss, George Milne, and persuaded him to take charge of corporate development for the new body.

ECONOMIST: Urban development