JIMI HENDRIX Memorabilia To Be Authenticated By RFID, LTD. To Combat Piracy

RFID, LTD. has announced their "Authentichip" program has been launched, focusing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to combat the piracy and counterfeiting that exists in the multi-billion dollar memorabilia industry.

The Jimi Hendrix memorabilia to be authenticated by RFID, LTD.'s "Authentichip" are "the Hendrix guitar strap" immortalized at the 1969 Newport Pop Festival and the "Wah-Wah pedal" he used for enhanced guitar sound.

"We can now apply RFID technology to document historic artifacts, memorabilia and fine art. After imbedding an Authentichip, the artifact carries within it the complete history of the item, including historic value and ownership of the item," said Nicholas Chavez, president of RFID, LTD. "Our Authentichip can be used by the musicians’ estates and individual collectors to counter the flood of fraudulent items found in this market."

The U.S. Government is combating memorabilia fraud with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Immigration officers.

According to a statement made by Assistant United States Attorney Phillip Halpern, "What matters is that as much as 90 percent of the memorabilia on the market may be forged. Because an item comes with a certificate of authenticity means nothing and, chances are, the fancier the certificate and the pricier the item likely means a better chance the item is counterfeit. The bottom line is, you need to know the history of the item."

RFID, LTD.'s Authentichip technology can be applied to brand-name items as well. The application of Authentichip on items sold on eBay may prevent future lawsuits against the online auction giant and/or its auctioneer members such as those filed by luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co., LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Microsoft Corp..