Via Licensing To Administer RFID Patent Program
September 5, 2006 -- The RFID Consortium and Via Licensing Corporation today announced that Via Licensing will administer the ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF RFID) patent licensing program. A recognized leader in patent program development and administration, Via Licensing’s expertise includes intellectual property law, technology standardization, strategic business development, and program administration. The RFID Consortium is comprised of companies involved with radio frequency identification technology.
“Working with Via Licensing promises to accelerate our efforts to solicit essential patents holders and ultimately create a patent pool that benefits the RFID industry and patent holders alike,” said Kevin Ashton, a spokesperson for the RFID Consortium and Vice President of Marketing for ThingMagic. “During our discussions with Via Licensing, it quickly became apparent that we share a common vision to bring together essential RFID patent holders with a view to accelerating market acceptance of the RFID standard.”
“We fully support the RFID Consortium’s goals of creating a patent licensing program for UHF RFID essential patents and better servicing patent holders and their licensees,” said Ed Schummer, President, Via Licensing. “We also strongly believe in the viability of UHF RFID technology, and appreciate the opportunity to undertake a significant role in supporting overall RFID market development.”
The RFID Consortium and Via Licensing have signed a non-binding term sheet, which provides that Via Licensing will manage the RFID licensing program and work with essential patent holders, as well as conduct further calls for additional essential patents. Tony McQuinn, Director of Licensing Programs and Business Development for Via Licensing, will manage this program.
Joint licensing programs provide the market with a convenient and cost-effective way to obtain licenses to the patents essential to practice of a standard. By doing so, the programs encourage greater adoption of the standard. Without such a joint license, the process of providing and obtaining necessary licenses would be more cumbersome and expensive for all parties.
The proposed licensing program will be made available to all essential patent holders, regardless of whether they were involved in the development of RFID standards. Under the proposed licensing arrangement, all essential RFID patents owned by members of the RFID Consortium will be made available to interested companies via a single license on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.