Intermec, Symbol Technologies Resolve RFID Dispute

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ntermec Technologies Corp. and Symbol Technologies, makers of automated data-capture technologies, said they reached an agreement settling a radio frequency identification intellectual property dispute.

In addition, the companies said they were placing on hold all other legal actions while they attempt to resolve their remaining intellectual property disputes.

In June 2004, Intermec filed a patent infringement suit against Matrics Corp., now Symbol Technologies, related to Intermec's RFID patents. Under the agreement, Symbol joined Intermec's Rapid Start RFID intellectual property licensing program.

The program provides Symbol access to a number of Intermec patent portfolios, including RFID tags and fixed and portable readers. RFID is widely used in shipping industry to track cargo and freight shipments.

Symbol also is providing Intermec access to Symbol's RFID intellectual property by exercising the cross-licensing provisions of the Rapid Start program. In addition, Intermec said it will file for dismissal of its RFID lawsuit in the Delaware district court.

Both companies said they believe the agreement is a fair compromise of the issues related to RFID and that subsequent efforts to reach resolution of all legal disputes is in the best interests of shareholders and customers.

They also said it will encourage accelerated adoption of RFID and automated data-collection technologies within the industry.