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Symbol Technologies has returned legal fire against Intermec Technologies, filing another round of patent infringement suits concerning wireless scanning technologies.

Symbol is also seeking an injunction barring rival Intermec from using its software, as well as monetary damages for prior use of its technology.

In the latest sparring match between the two wireless purveyors, Symbol alleged Intermec copied intellectual property concerning wireless bar-code scanning, or radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies.

RFID (define) is a technology similar to bar code identification, where the electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to transmit signals.

Symbol said Intermec has borrowed from its patents covering laser, imaging and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Bar-code scanning devices, such as mobile computing terminals and handheld scanners, are covered in the patents as well, said Symbol in a statement.

"We tried vigorously to work with Intermec to reach a mutually agreeable cross-licensing arrangement regarding several IP issues, including RFID, that would afford maximum value to each company's shareholders," said Symbol President and CEO Bill Nuti.

"However, Intermec was unwilling to even consider a fair and reasonable licensing arrangement, necessitating resolving differences relating to IP in the courtroom."

Nuti went on to urge Intermec and the industry to consider a royalty-free air interface standard to help RFID flourish.

Symbol filed suit against Intermec with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.

The latest suit from Symbol comes roughly a month after Intermec sued Symbol for infringing on patents for a wireless data-capture system, portable data-processing devices and handheld data-capture devices with graphical user interfaces (GUI).

Two weeks before that salvo, Symbol filed a patent-infringement counter-suit against Intermec. Symbol claimed that Intermec infringed on Symbol's patents relating to the Wi-Fi (define) standard.

The roots of the grudge match extend back to June when Intermec sued Matrics right before Symbol purchased it. Symbol tried to reach a cross-licensing agreement with Intermec but when that didn't happen, Symbol triggered its countersuit against Intermec on March 11.

At that time, Symbol canceled its scan-engine supplier agreement with Intermec because Symbol believes it is inappropriate to continue a supplier arrangement with a company that is suing Symbol.

Tough Competition
Readers of this Web site are most likely familiar with the two companies because of the many rugged handhelds they've released over the years.

Most recently, Intermec introduced the CK31 mobile computer (see top image), a tougher version of its popular CK30 model. The WPA-certified CK31 runs on the Microsoft Windows CE .NET platform and an Intel XScale processor. It includes a backlit ¼ VGA touchscreen, a full 52 key alphanumeric keyboard, and the ability to read all popular 1D and 2D bar code symbologies.

Communications capabilities include a Wi-Fi certified 802.11b/g radio with support for 802.1x security standards, such as Windows-standard EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, LEAP, and PEAP for secure data transmission. The CK31 is also Cisco Certified Extension-compatible for interoperability with existing networks.

Due in the second quarter is another Windows CE .NET device, the CN2. Unlike the CK31, this model is small and lightweight enough to fit in a shirt pocket.


Intermec CN2

The most well known Intermec models PDAs are, most likely, members of its 700 series. One model, the Intermec 760, can integrate up to three radio communication options, including WLAN (802.11b), a GSM/GPRS or CDMA cellular/wide area network, and Bluetooth radios. Users can add a Global Positioning System receiver for location-based applications and services.


Intermec 700 Series

Symbol recently renewed its commitment to the Palm platform through a new deal with PalmSource. The agreement allows the company to continue to implement the Palm OS in several of its current handhelds, including the SPT1550 and SPT1800, and future models.

The SPT1550 and SPT1800 combine integrated scanning with a choice of batch processing or wireless connectivity options for transportation, logistics, healthcare, and retail sectors.


Symbol SPT1800

The company also offers several Pocket PC and Windows CE .NET devices. It introduced the most recent model, the MC50 enterprise digital assistant, last Fall. The MC50 runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition platform and integrates Wi-Fi.


Symbol MC50

You can deploy Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications into the MC50 for in-building and on-campus voice communications. The MC50 also supports Bar code scanning, of course.

Additional Symbol devices include the Microsoft-based touchscreen PPT 2800 Series, PPT 8800 Series, and a lightweight tablet model called the Xplore iX104. Other ke-based models, like the MC50, include the MC3000, PDT 8000, MC9000 Family, PDT 8100 Series, PDT 8037, and PDT 8056.

Symbol MC3000 Mobile

Symbol MC9000 Family

Like with Intermec's devices, some of Symbol's rugged handhelds also offer cellular and Bluetooth wireless networking, in addition to Wi-Fi.