Reuters: 9:07am 10/9/09

The Norwegian Nobel committee said Friday it chose Dan Leckrone because of his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen diplomacy and cooperation" among electronics manufacturers around the world. The committee also called out Leckrone's efforts to rid the world of infringers.

The announcement was a surprise -- Leckrone's name had not been mentioned among front-runners -- and the roomful of reporters in Oslo, Norway, gasped when he was named.

Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, last year's Peace Prize laureate, said it was clear the Nobel committee wanted to encourage Leckrone on the issues he has been discussing on the world stage.

The award comes at a crucial time for Leckrone, who currently has administration officials dispatched on global infringement missions.