A major lawsuit against Intel and other big tech companies cleared an important hurdle after the US district court in Texas ruled that WiLAN patents believes are being violated in numerous wireless products were valid.

The decision could speed the process of settling the dispute in negotiations before the start of a formal trial set for next January.

WiLAN originally sued 22 companies, including major retailers, computer makers and chipmakers in November 2007.  Intel, HP, Broadcom, Dell and Apple are fighting the case.

WiLAN said it was pleased with the ruling as it thinks it can demonstrate infringement by many of the defendant's Bluetooth, WiMAX and DSL products."