For an executive whose company makes no products, Paul Ryan spends a lot of timernfighting over patents. Ryan's company, Acacia Research, acquires patents from inventors and then seeks fees from companies it accuses of infringement. Acacia has filed at least 337 patent -related lawsuits in its 18 years. "We're the go-to company for patent licensing and enforcement," Ryan says. Revenue is expected to rise to $68.8 million this year, from $34.8 million in 2006.rnBecause Acacia licenses technologies it doesn't design or distribute, it is known as a "nonpracticing entity."
展开▼
