The system could make it difficult for innovative small companies to move their products to the market.

The whole industry, especially small innovative companies, stand to benefit from that.

Technology Review magazine included them in their list of the top 50 most innovative companies for both 2010 and 2011.

"A lot of innovative companies are waiting for a grant from the government," he said.

Many of the people long associated with the smaller, innovative companies are no longer on the scene.

I can't tell you how excited we are to be a small part of this innovative company.

In that case, innovative companies would be better off with no patent system at all.

Another is that small, innovative private companies often have trouble getting loans.

"It's the only way I know for small, innovative companies in this industry to protect their ideas," he said.

But among the most innovative companies in Service, those same activities often generate more than 50 percent of the profits.