Myhrvold's investors include the world's largest tech firms, such as Microsoft, Sony, Nokia, Apple Computer, Intel, Ebay and Google, says the former insider.

FORBES: Patent Stalker

Mr Kallasvuo does not mention names, but his drift is clear: rather than just comparing itself with rival handset-makers such as Motorola or Samsung, Nokia now considers its competitors to be Apple, Sony, Canon and other consumer-electronics firms.

ECONOMIST: Face value