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The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was awarded the basic patent in 1996.

Other firms like Intel, Dell, and Netgear contend that the patent, which relates to technologies used in several of IEEE wireless standards, should be overturned.

The patent covers technologies used to create a wireless local area network (WLAN). As wireless technology has spread to network computers and other devices, the companies face the prospect of paying CSIRO significant licensing fees.

"As part of our business we create high quality intellectual property, and we are prepared to defend it," said Dr. Geoff Garrett, chief executive of CSIRO.

CSIRO states that any royalty income it receives will go into further scientific research and development.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.