Wi-Fi Patent Ruling May Impact Apple

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A ruling by a U.S Federal Judge in Texas states that a government agency from Australia hold the patent rights to some of the technology used in wireless networking standards. The patent in question was filed in 1996 by Australiais Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, according to SDA Asia.

The group claims that its patented technology is found in some IEEE standards, potentially including the 802.11 standard used in wireless networking. At risk are large sums of money - either as licensing fees companies pay to Australia, or as profits for product sales.

Apple includes Wi-Fi technology in its computers, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express Base Stations.

Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Dell, HP, and Netgear have started legal action in hopes of overturning the patent, but the Australian group plans to fight the action.

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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