Who Invented the Linux-Based Wireless Router?

Posted by kdawson on Friday October 22, 2010 @06:16AM from the depends-on-the-definition-of-'who' dept.

mtaht writes "I've just had the interesting experience of being deposed to talk about one of the first embedded, Linux-based, wireless routers. Our (free!) 1998 publication of how to make one predates patent #7035281, filed September 13, 2000, by someone else. Their patent was recently granted and is now being disputed in court, in part using our how-to as an example of prior art. The lawsuit continues; the case goes before a judge shortly, and a jury trial if necessary is scheduled for the spring. I find myself plagued with the question: So... who invented the embedded Linux based wireless router? What relevance does 'who' have, when there is such an enormous confluence of ideas from thousands of people? What constitutes invention, anyway?"

Slashdot Mirror

Who Invented the Linux-Based Wireless Router?

1 of 154 comments (clear)