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Muni Wi-Fi Threatened by Patent Decision
By Larry Hendrick | November 23, 2006
Muni WiFi in Trouble if Patent Upheld
The WiFi world, as we know it, may change faster than you can say “scat!” The Australian science research agency owns the patent for 802.11a and 802.11g and a Federal Judge has issued a summary judgement in their favor. A Texas company, Buffalo Technology, is the defendant in this case, but if it stands, every company using those two technologies will go behind the 8-ball.
The next few months could prove very interesting on the technology front. This will need watching.
Muni Wi-Fi threatened by patent decision | ZDNet Government Blog | ZDNet.com
Unusual for a patent case, the judge issues a summary judgment in the case, meaning the evidence is so clear on its face that there are no triable issues of fact.
The defendant in the case, Austin, Texas-based Buffalo Technology could be required to pay $1.5 million to $2 million in damages to CSIRO. But the impact on the wireless industry, the entire computer industry and local governments could be devastating.