More patent disputes...

Reports are out that the Washington Research Foundation is bringing patent infringement claims on behalf of the University of Washington against three handset manufacturers. According to Reuters, "The Foundation claims the three firms have sold handsets and devices in the United States using CSR's Bluetooth chips which use technology that infringe the University's radio frequency receiver patents."

Broadcom chips are OK, apparently, as the company has already licensed the radio frequency receiver patents. CSR hasn't. Shares in the U.K. Bluetooth chip specialist fell on Wednesday following the news, but it's unclear yet what the outcome might be, and how adversely the company might be affected.

Bluetooth technology is largely seen as an invention by Ericsson engineers. The technology is generally available royalty-free on the market...