Michelin opens patents to aid global RFID uptake
The adoption of a single worldwide RFID standard will accelerate the development of this technology. As a long-time supporter of unified RFID standards, Michelin has decided to lead by example and has announced it will no longer charge royalties on any of its patents that overlap the adoption of such standards. The French manufacturer will apply this to globally recognised single core tyre standards that include: AIAG B11, JAIF B21, ISO- 17367, TMC RP 247, and GS1-EPC TDS 1.5.
In line with FRAND (Fair, Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory) licensing policies, Michelin says it will expect reciprocity from any entity that utilises its patented technology for the adoption of such standards. Explaining in greater details what it understands as reciprocity, the tyre maker says that, on a case by case basis, its patents will be licensed royalty-free on condition that any prospective licensee also commits to similar licensing conditions for current of future patents it holds for technologies that overlap with the adoption and execution of the standards cited above.
“RFID technology has been around for many years,” commented Terry Gettys, executive vice-president, Research and Development at Michelin. “During the London Olympic Games last year, Michelin tyre embedded RFID technology was used on buses to improve safety and operation efficiency. We believe that the most important enabler to a broader integration of such technology within the transportation industry is the adoption of a global standard. This small step should help us get there.”
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