Hitachi, Oracle to Sell Anti-Piracy IC Tags to China

A report in the Sunday edition of the Nikkei Shimbun said Hitachi and Oracle will jointly market wireless integrated circuit [IC] tags in China, in order to help prove the authenticity of goods, including tickets to the 2008 Beijing Olympics -- their first target. The IC tags are capable of storing product-related information such as the original manufacturer and location of production. Each tag will reportedly cost around 10 yen ($0.08). Reuters said no one was available for comment at either company. Tokyo-based Ubiquitous ID Center, an IC tag issuer and manager, will also promote the tags with Hitachi and Oracle. The Nikkei article noted demand for IC tags is expected to increase across a broad selection of products, including cash vouchers, luxury items and home appliances.

Sources: Forbes XFN newswire, Reuters
Commentary: China Irate Over U.S. Piracy Complaints to WTO • Microsoft Forecasts 20% China Sales Gain on Anti-Piracy Campaign • Piracy From China: How Microsoft, Ralph Lauren, Nike And Others Can Cope
Stocks/ETFs to watch: Hitachi (HIT), Oracle (ORCL)
Conference call transcripts: Oracle F3Q07

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