MAJOR COMPANIES TAKE ON WIRELESS PATENT


Silicon.com reports that major computer companies Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft and Netgear have come together in an attempt to invalidate a patent owned by Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The patent covers technology used in WiFi and are a result of research that began in 1989. CSIRO chief executive Dr Geoff Garrett has said

"As part of our business we create high quality intellectual property, and we are prepared to defend it."

He has added that any royalties will be reinvested in further research.

Look – no strings!

The IPKat says that this story highlights nicely that strong IP rights can work to the detriment, as well as the advantage, of big companies.

More on wireless technology here, here and here