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

  • May 9, 2018
    Kapsch triumphs in Neology patent dispute
    Kapsch TrafficCom is celebrating after a landmark patent decision went in its favour. The US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has agreed with the company that Neology cannot patent technologies in its 6C switchable tolling tag. The tag uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at highway toll zones, and is manually activated and deactivated using a switch device. The PTAB agreed with Kapsch’s arguments that Neology’s claims for its product were “unpatentable and invalid”. The decision reinf
  • February 23, 2018
    Companies depend on automation, AI and machine learning for cyber security
    To defend against cyber attacks, 39% of organisations are reliant on automation, 34% on machine learning and 32% on artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Cisco 2018 annual report conducted on 3,600 chief information security officers. It found that over half of all attacks resulted in financial damages of more than $500,000 (£697,000), including, but not limited to, lost revenue, clients, opportunities, and out-of-pocket costs. The study revealed that adversaries are using Malware sophistication
  • March 21, 2014
    Cream of the crop in contention for Innovation Award
    Smart and innovative thinking is again about to be awarded here at Intertraffic Amsterdam, the world’s largest and best attended trade fair for the infrastructure, ITS traffic management, safety, parking, and smart mobility sectors. A total of 15 products have won through to the shortlist for the most innovative exhibits at the event. The official opening of Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014 takes place this morning from 08.30 to 09.30 at the Innovation Lab in the Elicium room where the winners of the Intertraffi
  • May 21, 2012
    Federal signals open
    Federal Signal Technologies just completed an open testing period with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), proving its RFID readers and Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras are able to read multiple protocols at high speeds.