Rambus:

Looking for faster memory chips, lawsuits, or both? Get on the bus -- Rambus. Rambus licenses an innovative computer memory design -- called Rambus dynamic random-access memory, or RDRAM -- that speeds the exchange of signals between a computer's memory and logic chips. RDRAM chips are used in PCs, video game consoles, and other electronic systems. Intel accounts for about 26% of revenues. Rambus' licensees include memory chip giants Elpida Memory (17% of revenues), Toshiba (11%), and Matsushita (10%). The company holds more than 400 patents. Rambus has been involved in sometimes bitter litigation with several of the world's largest memory chip makers over the validity of its patent claims.

Nokia:

Wireless wizard Nokia has cast a spell on the mobile phone market. The company is the world's #1 maker of cell phones (ahead of such rivals as Motorola and Samsung, among others). Nokia is also aiming for the top of the nascent mobile Internet market. The company's products are divided primarily between four divisions: mobile phones (wireless voice and data devices for personal and business uses), multimedia (home satellite systems, and mobile gaming devices), networks (wireless switching and transmission equipment used in carrier networks), and enterprise solutions (wireless systems for businesses). The company's BlueRun Ventures division invests in technology-related startups.