Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems supplier Star Systems International (SSI), has issued a statement in relation to the recent complaint filed by RFID supplier Neology to the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) (see <%$Linker:2 Internal <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 4 24938 0 oLinkExternal ITS International website Visit ITS International website false /categories/charging-tolling/news/tolling-companies-to-be-investigated-unlawful-importation-of-rfid-products/ false false %>).
On 5 January 2016, the ITC ordered that an investigation be instituted against a number of importers of RFID hardware into the United States. One of the importers being investigated is SSI. The investigation is based on Section 337 of the US Tariff Act of 1930. In its complaint, Neology alleges that the companies against which it is directed are importing RFID equipment that infringes on certain patents held by Neology.
SSI wishes to clarify that the initiation of an investigation in no way signifies that the ITC has made any opinion or judgment on the merits of Neology’s complaint. SSI is of the strong opinion that its products are not infringing on any of Neology’s patents. SSI also believes that the validity of these patents and if/how they could be applied to the ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen 2 open standard is still subject to challenge. Consistent with this view, SSI intends to defend itself vigorously, and does not expect that its customers will be affected during, or upon conclusion of, the ITC investigation.
SSI managing director Bob Karr said, “This is an attempt by Neology to control and monopolise the use of the ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen 2 Open Standard in their niche markets. ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen2 as an open standard has been in use since 2005 by many organizations and industries, including the United States Department of Defence and most major retail organizations, with billions of tags and readers having been deployed over the years. Such bullying attempts have so far been fruitless, and we are not expecting a different outcome this time. SSI has always been a proponent of open standards and will remain so as we continue to provide high quality products, service and support to our customers.
“We appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, and other partners.”
On 5 January 2016, the ITC ordered that an investigation be instituted against a number of importers of RFID hardware into the United States. One of the importers being investigated is SSI. The investigation is based on Section 337 of the US Tariff Act of 1930. In its complaint, Neology alleges that the companies against which it is directed are importing RFID equipment that infringes on certain patents held by Neology.
SSI wishes to clarify that the initiation of an investigation in no way signifies that the ITC has made any opinion or judgment on the merits of Neology’s complaint. SSI is of the strong opinion that its products are not infringing on any of Neology’s patents. SSI also believes that the validity of these patents and if/how they could be applied to the ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen 2 open standard is still subject to challenge. Consistent with this view, SSI intends to defend itself vigorously, and does not expect that its customers will be affected during, or upon conclusion of, the ITC investigation.
SSI managing director Bob Karr said, “This is an attempt by Neology to control and monopolise the use of the ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen 2 Open Standard in their niche markets. ISO 18000 6C / EPC Class 1, Gen2 as an open standard has been in use since 2005 by many organizations and industries, including the United States Department of Defence and most major retail organizations, with billions of tags and readers having been deployed over the years. Such bullying attempts have so far been fruitless, and we are not expecting a different outcome this time. SSI has always been a proponent of open standards and will remain so as we continue to provide high quality products, service and support to our customers.
“We appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, and other partners.”
