The new EPCglobal Inc UHF RFID Generation 2 air interface protocol specification, commonly referred to as "Gen2," is continuing to spur adoption of RFID. Intermec, which holds more than 140 UHF RFID patents, has applauded the new consensus standard, but maintains that RFID manufacturers who want to offer fully-functional Gen2 RFID systems will need to license its technology.

A self-described "UHF RFID pioneer," Intermec Technologies Corp. of Everett, Washington, has licensed much of its technology, providing access to its current and future RFID innovations.