Skip to main content

Star Systems issues statement on Neology complaint

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 ITS International website). 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
January 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
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.”

Related Content

  • Peek Traffic building on success with new ATC-2000
    March 28, 2013
    Peek Traffic Corporation will use the ITS America Annual Meeting to announce the next addition to the successful family of Peek ATC controllers. Joining the ATC-CBD and ATC-1000 controllers is the upcoming ATC-2000 which will make its debut. Designed to utilize the same robust Greenwave local intersection control software used in the ATC-1000 NEMA style controller, the company says the ATC-2000 will bring that level of advanced functionality to the Caltrans style 332/336 cabinet. The design combines the adv
  • Road user charging made simple with e-Vignette
    October 19, 2012
    German company Ages Maut System will promote the e-Vignette as an intelligent solution for road user charging (RUC). As the company points out, the e-Vignette has the advantage of simplicity while achieving high compliance from drivers. In comparison with distance-based charging systems, a costly on-board unit is not required; also, no interaction with roadside infrastructure is necessary and data protection is achieved without technical complexity. Ages Maut says the system is ideal for countries which w
  • 2nd European Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans
    April 14, 2015
    The European Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans takes place at the Politehnica University of Bucharest on 16 and 17 June 2015. The conference is the principal annual event for the international community of practitioners, policy makers and academics from across Europe to come together to debate key issues, highlight developments in mobility planning and exchange ideas and experience. Alongside the main conference, additional events will include a European Platform Seminar on Sustainable Ur
  • Apple co-founder to headline Future Transport Summit 2016
    February 29, 2016
    The New South Wales (NSW) Government’s two-day Future Transport summit, to be held in Sydney on 18-19 April, will be headlined by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance has announced. The technology summit aims to help uncover the next big ideas set to transform the transport system; Constance said the future is clearly being driven by technology and the government is not prepared to sit around waiting to see what that means for transport customers.