In 1942, Hedy Lamarr co-patented a system to protect torpedo signals; 55 years later, the Hollywood star received recognition for her wireless innovation

Hedy Lamarr invention: Long before Wi-Fi and Bluetooth became part of everyday life, Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr was working on an invention aimed at making radio-guided torpedoes harder to jam. In 1940, Lamarr began working with composer George Antheil on a system for a radio-guided torpedo. Their idea involved synchronizing a transmitter and receiver so they could change frequencies together, making it more difficult for an enemy to interfere with the signal. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History documents their invention work from 1940 to 1942.

Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil Developed a Frequency-Hopping System

Lamarr and Antheil developed a system based on synchronized frequency changes. The transmitter and receiver would move from one frequency to another at the same time.

The two brought different experiences to the project. According to the Smithsonian report, Lamarr provided the basic invention idea, while Antheil contributed to its implementation. His experience with player-piano mechanisms also influenced the development of the system.


Their early ideas and sketches were sent to the National Inventors’ Council toward the end of 1940. They continued developing the system before submitting their patent application.

The 1942 Patent for a “Secret Communication System”

In June 1941, Lamarr and Antheil submitted a patent application for a “Secret Communication System.” The invention was awarded U.S. Patent No. 2,292,387 in August 1942, as per Smithsonian.

The patent described a system using paper tapes to coordinate changes in frequency. It also included clockwork synchronization between the transmitter and receiver and a method involving false signals to enhance its anti-jamming properties.

The patent was issued to George Antheil and Hedwig Kiesler Markey, the name Lamarr was using at the time.

What Happened to the Invention

The invention was shown to the U.S. Navy, but the Navy did not adopt it at the time. The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center notes that different reasons have been discussed for that decision. Antheil later suggested that the mechanism was too bulky for an average torpedo.

The patent was owned by the U.S. government and expired in 1959.

The Invention Became Part of Wireless Technology History

Lamarr and Antheil’s work later became part of the history of frequency-hopping and spread-spectrum communications.

The Smithsonian notes that later applications of spread-spectrum technology include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. This does not mean Lamarr directly invented those technologies. Her patented work is more accurately described as part of the broader history of spread-spectrum communications.

Hedy Lamarr Received EFF Recognition in 1997

The recognition came decades after Lamarr and Antheil received their patent.

In 1997, 55 years after the 1942 patent, the Electronic Frontier Foundation named Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil special honorees of its Pioneer Awards. EFF records identify them as special honorees of the 1997 Pioneer Awards.

This 1997 recognition was separate from the 1942 patent itself. The patent had already been awarded more than five decades earlier.

Lamarr’s story therefore brought together two very different fields: Hollywood and invention. Her work with Antheil resulted in a patented communication system in 1942, while the pair received EFF Pioneer Award recognition in 1997.