Australian Wi-Fi patent Victory

Australia's peak science body - CSIRO has earned a $200 million windfall - and counting - from its long-running patent battles with the world's biggest computer companies.

CSIRO's wireless invention lies at the heart of what is now the most popular way to connect computers without wires. It is used in offices, public buildings, homes, hotels, airports and coffee shops - often called 'WiFi Hotspots'.

CSIRO executive director of commercial, Nigel Poole, said the CSIRO were wanting to license their technology further, stating that he "urged" companies using it to come forward and seek a license.'We believe that there are many more companies that are using CSIRO's technology and it's our desire to license the technology further,' Poole said.'We would urge companies that are currently selling devices that have 802.11 a,g or n to contact CSIRO and to seek a license because we believe they are using our technology.'"