Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

CSIRO Wins Wi-Fi Settlement From HP

Posted by timothy on from the not-some-low-life-patent-troll-at-least dept.

suolumark writes "The CSIRO has won what could be a landmark settlement from Hewlett Packard over the use of patented wireless technology. The settlement ended HP's involvement in a four-year lawsuit brought by the CSIRO on a group of technology companies, in which the organisation was seeking royalties for wi-fi technology that is used extensively on laptops and computers worldwide. CSIRO spokesman Luw Morgan earlier said legal action was continuing against 13 companies: Intel, Dell, Toshiba, Asus, Netgear, D-Link, Belkin, SMC, Accton, 3-Com, Buffalo, Microsoft and Nintendo."

1 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. How the fuck is this legal? by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 0, Troll

    So, let me get this straight.

    In 1996, CSIRO is granted a patent it filed for earlier for some sort of wireless technology.

    In 1997, IEEE 802.11 Legacy mode shows up, incorporating this technology. No mention of patents.

    In 1999, IEEE 802.11b-1999 shows up, incorporating this technology. No mention of patents.

    In 2000, IEEE 802.11b starts getting mass implemented.

    In 2003, IEEE 802.11g shows up and starts getting implemented. No mention of patents.

    In 2005, company files lawsuit across huge base of manufacturers with even huger base of existing product lines all through all kinds of consumer hardware, claiming patent infringement.

    This is legal?

    --
    Support my political activism on Patreon.