The recently-announced RFID IP Consortium continues to generate interest and media coverage.  Overall, reception of the concept has been positive but even the group's sponsors admit that there is a lot of work to be done and many questions to be addressed. 

The idea of a patent pool is certainly not unique to RFID.  Terry Rapoch, CTO of the Wright Center for Innovation for Advanced Data Management and Analysis, Dayton, OH, USA, highlighted some of the initial points to be resolved.

1. Defining the domain or areas within the overall architecture that this consortium will address. Even if it addresses all levels of RFID technology, some level of categorization would be important because specific players will identify opportunities in different areas.

2. Clarifying the relationship between this consortium and the other consortium-like players: EPC Global, et al. Defining how they play together or, better yet, synergize and not overlap.

3. Establishing the role that the consortium will play in terms of technology validation i.e., conformance, performance, interoperability, and of providing an effective channel to accelerate the movement and adoption of IP in the market place.