Despite the boom in wireless and broadband Internet access technologies, theres still money to be made in modems, at least of the legal variety.
Last week, Townshend Intellectual Property announced it has resolved a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Brent Townshend against Analog Devices for use of 56K-bps modem technology, also known as V.90 or V.92.
56K has become the standard for accessing the Internet through analog phone lines. Townshend was issued a U.S. patent for 56K technology in September 1998.
Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Analog Devices will pay Townshend Intellectual Property a lump-sum settlement in addition to royalty fees for future use of the technology.
Townshends Technology covers all products that use the V.90 or V.92 standards, including end-user devices and remote access servers that are used by ISPs.
Intel, Cisco, Agere Systems and ESS Technology remain in patent infringement litigation with Townshend.