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

  • Eastlink launches self-driving survey, Australia
    September 11, 2017
    Toll route operator Eastlink, with support from Australian Road Research Board, has launched the first of an annual Victorian self-driving vehicle survey for Victorian motorists’ attitudes to and perceptions of self-driving vehicles, to be completed 8 October 2017. The first major survey is aimed at motorists, irrespective of whether they use Eastlink and will be repeated annually to track changes into the future
  • Skidata offers Stentofon’s VoIP communications
    March 26, 2014
    As Intertraffic opened Skidata and Stentofon announced a partnership which is set to deliver enhanced communications for the parking sector. The partnership will see Stentofon’s Pulse framework audio communication systems used in Skidata’s parking devices for bidirectional communication between car park operators and their customers. This enables Skidata to provide hardware-free and server-less VoIP-intercom communication as an integrated part of its widely spread parking solutions.
  • Snoline’s improved crash cushion offers greater safety
    March 25, 2014
    Italian firm Snoline says that its Tau Tube redirective crash cushion offers low-cost crash protection. Paula Ferraris, communications & marketing manager for the firm said: “It is like the previous Tau but with a new impact absorbing system. It can stop a car travelling at 110km/h in less than 7m.” The system is said to be simple to install and is designed for long life, with a galvanised steel structure and meets the European EN1317-3 safety criteria. The impact absorbing beams are made from aluminium and
  • ReachNow scraps car rental service in Seattle and Portland
    July 25, 2019
    ReachNow has scrapped its car-rental services in Seattle and Portland following a corporate “realignment”, says The Seattle Times. ReachNow offered rentals for BMWs and Mini Coopers and launched a ride-hailing service last year. In May, the company announced to some of its customers that it was shutting down its ride-hailing service, saying that its third-party vendor could no longer support their business. Last November, ReachNow - a BMW subsidiary - integrated car-sharing and ride-hailing int