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Intermec Claims RFID is Proprietary

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the bought-the-right dept.

seeks2know writes "Line56.com reports that Intermec is claiming patents on RFID chips, readers, and tags. They have launched their first lawsuit against Matrics. They seek to sell licenses to all RFID manufacturers. Erik Michielsen of ABI Research states '...this definitely clouds the UHF Generation 2 standards discussions and is fueling considerable animosity in the industry.' Interestingly, the patents that Intermec is claiming were acquired in their acquisition of IBM's RFID laboratory in December, 1997. Another case of a submarine patent strategy?"

8 of 210 comments (clear)

  1. They're using... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    the evil of patents for good. Hmm, I think my head might explode.

    1. Re:They're using... by typobox43 · · Score: 4, Funny

      ERROR: Infinite recursive loop.

  2. No No No... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    That's not the way to handle a submarine patent. Everyone knows what you're SUPPOSED to do is wait until every large and small company is using RFID and become totally dependant on it. THEN you hit them with the licensing and lawsuits. How do you expect to make any money if you stifle this before it gets really big. Bad Intermec! Bad dog!

    1. Re:No No No... by NachoDaddy · · Score: 4, Funny

      No, you just have to wait for Walmart to adopt it, which is as good as the whole retail industry

    2. Re:No No No... by xOleanderx · · Score: 4, Funny

      That is referred to as pulling a SCO.

  3. They're using...A small blow. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    " Hmm, I think my head might explode."

    Sorry. I have a patent on that. Pay up, then blow up.

  4. 2 wrongs? by grasshoppa · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hey, 2 wrongs really DO make a right.

    --
    Mod me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!
  5. What the... by SsShane · · Score: 4, Funny

    The government agency I work at uses RFID for security! These guys are terrorists.