CNN's Kevin Liptak, Kevin Bohn, Jake Tapper, Drew Griffin, David Fitzpatrick and Ted Barrett contributed to this report.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Mr Berners-Lee says that in creating the WWW he drew on the work of computing pioneer Ted Nelson - who is widely regarded as the father of hypertext.

BBC: BT claims patent on web links

But it drew stiff opposition from disgruntled car owners as well as Ted Frank of the Center for Class Action Fairness, who frequently sues to break up settlements he regards as collusive or unfair.

FORBES: Court Rejects Volkswagen Settlement That Gave Lawyers $9 Million, Owners Letters

He was so damaged politically that he drew a historically rare primary challenge from within his own party, from Ted Kennedy.

FORBES: How Does The Current Republican Ticket Compare To Reagan/Bush?