Michelin announces it will license free of charge any of its patents that would overlap with the adoption of RFID standards

18-7-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Reliable identification of tires with embedded RFID¹ technology already has shown how it can improve tire tracking throughout its life cycle.

Michelin group has been an internationally recognized leader for creating and fostering harmonized international standards for Tire RFID¹. Some other tire manufacturers have taken part in creating and fostering harmonized international standards for ease of development and deployment.

The adoption of a single worldwide standard is a key element to accelerate the deployment of this technology. That is why Michelin announces that it will license free of charge any of its patents that would overlap with the adoption of such standards².

In line with FRAND³ licensing policies, Michelin will expect reciprocity⁴ from any entity which may be concerned by the adoption of such standards.

“The RFID¹ technology has been around for many years. During the London Olympic Games last year, MICHELIN tire embedded RFID¹ technology was used on buses to improve safety and operation efficiency” says Terry Gettys, Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Michelin. “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.”

¹ RFID = Radio Frequency IDentification
² Globally recognized single core tire RFID standards include: AIAG B11, JAIF B21, ISO- 17367, TMC RP 247, GS1-EPC TDS 1.5.
³ FRAND = Fair, Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory
⁴ Reciprocity (on a case by case basis) = Michelin’s patents will be licensed royalty free on condition that any prospective licensee commits to license any of its current or future patents that would also overlap with the adoption and execution of the standards cited above under similar conditions.

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