Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Symbol Patent Threatens Wi-Fi
Posted by Ed Hansberry in "ARTICLE" @ 07:00 PM
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/09/23/HNsymbolpatent_1.html
"Wireless vendor Symbol Technologies (Profile, Products, Articles) Inc. has told us it will be seeking a big license fee from all Wi-Fi equipment vendors for an infringed patent. And according to one manufacturer, Proxim (Profile, Products, Articles) Corp., it stands a good chance of getting it. Last week, Proxim gritted its teeth and paid $23 million damages awarded by a jury to Symbol in 2003. Patents owned by Symbol could affect any 802.11 access point, said both companies."
They are seeking a 6% royalties from all WiFi vendors. Now, you and I know companies don't pay these fees. You and I will be paying these fees. :evil: Symbol has yet to tackle the Cisco empire, which includes the popular Linksys products many of us own and use in our house. I have a feeling Cisco has a pretty big legal defense fund and a team of sharks... er, I mean lawyers that will not just cave to Symbol's demands for money.
"Wireless vendor Symbol Technologies (Profile, Products, Articles) Inc. has told us it will be seeking a big license fee from all Wi-Fi equipment vendors for an infringed patent. And according to one manufacturer, Proxim (Profile, Products, Articles) Corp., it stands a good chance of getting it. Last week, Proxim gritted its teeth and paid $23 million damages awarded by a jury to Symbol in 2003. Patents owned by Symbol could affect any 802.11 access point, said both companies."
They are seeking a 6% royalties from all WiFi vendors. Now, you and I know companies don't pay these fees. You and I will be paying these fees. :evil: Symbol has yet to tackle the Cisco empire, which includes the popular Linksys products many of us own and use in our house. I have a feeling Cisco has a pretty big legal defense fund and a team of sharks... er, I mean lawyers that will not just cave to Symbol's demands for money.
