Common usage: Person X is the genius behind company Y, or genius X is the person who created work of art/discovery/hack Y. Proper usage is hard to judge. A genius is normally someone of exceptional mental ability. The key behind the miss-use is 'exceptional'. They have to have done something that can be compared with what others have done, and be outstanding by comparison. There are many intelligent scientists, but Einstein was a genius, as his ideas were so far in advance of those of other scientists of his time. Geniuses are generally recognized years after their contributions to humanity, as at the time it is hard to judge what is a truly outstanding contribution. The genius behind company/artwork/discovery/hack Y is often recognized soon after or even before the time of his/her contribution!

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