The term RAIN refers to a standards-based, wireless communication technology that enables the identification, location, authentication, and engagement of items where both the tags and readers implement the ISO/IEC 18000-63 protocol, and the tags are encoded using controlled numbering practices, either following applicable ISO standards or the GS1 EPC TDS.

To support the global adoption and consistent use of this technology, the RAIN Alliance—a non-profit industry organization—has developed this guide to clarify the proper use of RAIN terminology and logos.

This page has two sections:

  • RAIN (the technology): Guidelines for using the term “RAIN” to describe products, solutions, and capabilities based on the ISO/IEC 18000-63 (GS1 UHF Gen2) protocol.
  • RAIN Alliance (the organization): Guidance on referencing the Alliance, including proper use of the RAIN Alliance name and branding.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help improve market clarity, reinforce the value of RAIN technology, and support the growth of the ecosystem.

RAIN — The Technology

RAIN (an acronym derived from RAdio IdentificatioN), is the term chosen by the industry to describe a standards-based, wireless communication technology operating in the UHF range (between 860 and 930 MHz) with a typical range of many meters. RAIN technology utilizes the ISO/IEC 18000-63 air-interface protocol (also known as GS1 UHF Gen2).

As the fastest-growing segment of the RFID market, with hundreds of billions of tag ICs sold to date, RAIN is used in many markets and industries worldwide to identify, locate, authenticate, and engage items–providing numerous benefits to end users. While other IoT technologies bring other capabilities and values, none can match RAIN for cost, simplicity, and availability.

The RAIN name is not a proprietary trade name or a trademark, and the use of the RAIN name and emblems allows a business, its products, solutions, and capabilities to be associated with this rapidly growing market. The RAIN name provides a clear identifier that helps people clarify and differentiate it from other IoT technologies. It reduces confusion and provides a mechanism for creating industry awareness of and education about the core capabilities and value of the technology, allowing businesses to focus on selling.

Usage Guidelines

These guidelines detail the proper industry use of the technology product identifier “RAIN” in content and imagery.  This includes establishing its correct usage in documents and online.  The guide also includes standard RAIN definitions, descriptors, and emblems that can be used by anyone.

RAIN should be used and/or replace all relevant references to RFID, UHF RFID, passive RFID, passive UHF RFID, and EPC RFID in an organization’s technical, sales, and marketing materials.  The proper use of RAIN in this way will improve market clarity and end-user understanding of the technology and its benefits.  Much like the term “Wi-Fi” has simplified the way we talk about the technology used for unplugged internet access, and the term “Bluetooth” has simplified the way we talk about exchanging data with a mobile device, the term RAIN simplifies the way we talk about enabling visibility into the trillions of things in our world.

RAIN Technology Terminology Usage

WHY USE THE TERM “RAIN”: RAIN is the term chosen by the industry to describe a standards-based, wireless communication technology that uses the ISO/IEC 18000-63 protocol (also known as GS1 UHF Gen2).  Using consistent terminology – RAIN – eliminates confusion and clarifies for the end-user the technology’s capabilities and applications. It acts as a “short cut” for people to understand what is being discussed.

WHEN TO USE THE TERM “RAIN”:  Use RAIN in place of other phrases like RFID, UHF RFID, passive RFID, passive UHF RFID, EPC RFID. The RAIN name can be used by itself.

Examples of How to use the term “RAIN”

  • INCORRECT USE: The Acme product is fully compliant with the GS1 EPC/RFID Gen2v2 standard and supports RAIN.

  • CORRECT USE: The Acme product is fully compliant with the RAIN air protocol standards (ISO/IEC 18000-63) and tags are encoded using controlled numbering practices.

  • INCORRECT USE: Our products are RAIN-approved and meet global industry standards and regulations.

  • CORRECT USE: Our RAIN products meet global industry standards and regulations.

  • INCORRECT USE: RAIN is a global alliance promoting the universal adoption of RAIN technology.

  • CORRECT USE: The RAIN Alliance is a global alliance promoting the universal adoption of RAIN.

WHERE TO USE THE TERM “RAIN”:  Use RAIN in content such as advertisements, blogs, case studies, data sheets, ebooks, emails, infographics, podcasts, presentations, press releases, reports, social media, solution briefs, videos, white papers, etc. Standard language describing RAIN technology is below and available for your use.  The term “RAIN” can be used to identify a variety of things, including:

  • RAIN tags
  • RAIN readers
  • RAIN solutions
  • RAIN applications
  • RAIN technology

RAIN Technology Definition

This definition can be used in its entirety to describe RAIN technology.  Simply copy and paste the following into whatever document you are working on.

A RAIN system is a standards-based, wireless system where the tags and readers both implement the RAIN air-interface protocol (ISO/IEC 18000-63 also known as GS1 UHF Gen2) and the tags are encoded utilizing controlled numbering practices either following applicable ISO standards or the GS1 EPC TDS.

RAIN Technology Descriptor

This descriptor can be used when a longer definition or more background about RAIN is needed. This descriptor can be used in its entirety. Simply copy and paste the descriptor into whatever document you are working on.

RAIN is one of the most pervasive technologies in the world and is used in many markets for efficient identification, localization, and authentication of products. While other IoT technologies bring other values, none can match RAIN for cost, simplicity, and availability. So, it’s no surprise that the RAIN market is the fastest-growing segment with hundreds of billions of RAIN tags sold. A RAIN system is a standards-based, wireless system where the tags and readers both implement the RAIN air-interface protocol (ISO/IEC 18000-63, also known as GS1 UHF Gen2) and the tags are encoded utilizing controlled numbering practices either following applicable ISO standards or the GS1 EPC TDS. The RAIN name provides a clear and simple identifier for the wide variety of products and services that comply with the relevant standards. 

“About RAIN” Paragraph

For use when an “About” paragraph or background information on the RAIN technology is needed. This “About” paragraph can be used in its entirety. Simply copy and paste the paragraph into whatever document you are working on.

RAIN is the name for the standards-based, wireless system where the tags and readers both implement the RAIN air-interface protocol (ISO/IEC 18000-63, also known as GS1 UHF Gen2) and the tags are encoded utilizing controlled numbering practices either following applicable ISO standards or the GS1 EPC TDS. It is the fastest growing type of RFID available today.

RAIN Emblems

The RAIN Alliance established the RAIN emblems to help companies and end-users, as well as commercial users and consumers, visually identify RAIN products.

The RAIN emblem can be placed on products to indicate the presence of the technology.  ISO/IEC 29160 proposes using the RAIN emblem as a means of informing the public about the use of RAIN in consumer and workplace environments. The RAIN Alliance encourages the use of the RAIN emblem in these instances to help end users and consumers become familiar and comfortable with the use of the technology.

There is a choice of two RAIN technology emblems:

 

While the term “RAIN” is not a proprietary trade name or a trademark, the “RAIN” emblem is a mark owned by the RAIN Alliance (in a similar way to the NFC and Bluetooth logos are owned by the relevant associations linked with those technologies). Available at no charge to members and non-members of the RAIN Alliance alike, the RAIN technology emblem can be used to connect customers with the RAIN technology embedded in your product. If you intend to use the mark in your product(s), please complete this licensing agreement.

License Agreement
License Agreement
Company Location
Company Location
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country
Additional Marketing Communications

Useage of the RAIN Emblem

The RAIN technology emblem should be sized appropriately for the material on which it appears. An appropriate emblem size maintains the emblem’s ratio and provides an appropriate amount of white space around the emblem. Do not stretch or distort the emblem in any way. The emblem should never “touch” another emblem or text element.

Contact the RAIN Alliance if you have any questions – info@therainalliance.org.

RAIN Alliance – The Organization

The RAIN Alliance is a neutral, not-for-profit consortium of companies that together want to create a smarter and more sustainable world by using RAIN technology to connect trillions of everyday items across their entire lifecycle, simply and inexpensively.

We promote the universal adoption of RAIN technology in a way similar to how other wireless technology organizations, including NFC Forum, WiFi Alliance, and Bluetooth SIG, promote their respective technologies.

Here are guidelines for referencing the RAIN Alliance, including proper use of the RAIN Alliance name and branding.

RAIN Alliance Definition

For use when a description of the RAIN Alliance is required. This definition can be used in its entirety. Simply copy and paste into whatever document you are working on.

The RAIN Alliance is a neutral, not-for-profit industry organization supporting the universal adoption of RAIN, a wireless technology that connects billions of everyday items to the Internet of Things, enabling businesses and consumers to identify, locate, authenticate, and engage assets. For more information or to join the non-profit organization, visit: therainalliance.org

RAIN Alliance Logos

Anyone can download and use the RAIN Alliance logos on marketing materials and websites.

Download Horizontal RAIN Alliance Logo

Download Vertical RAIN Alliance Logo

RAIN Alliance Logo Size Guidelines

The RAIN Alliance logo should be sized appropriately for the material on which it appears. An appropriate logo size maintains the logo’s ratio and provides an appropriate amount of white space around the logo. Do not stretch or distort the logo in any way. The logo should never “touch” another logo or text element.

Horizontal alignment: When horizontally aligning the RAIN Alliance logo with other corporate logos (as in a sponsorship block), make sure the base of the RAINAlliance logo aligns with the base of the other logos.

Vertical alignment: When vertically aligning the RAIN Alliance logo with other corporate logos (as in a list of sponsors), either center the logos or align the RAIN Alliance with the left edge of the other logos.

Contact the RAIN Alliance if you have any questions – info@therainalliance.org.

RAIN Technology and RAIN Alliance Terminology FAQs

ISO/IEC 29160 provides guidance on how to indicate the presence of RAIN to help end users and consumers understand which type of RFID is in use.  In the guidance, only the generic emblem is referenced.  However, in documents like ISO/IEC 17360, compliance requires the use of an internationally accepted RFID emblem but does not prescribe that it must be the ISO emblem. The “RAIN” emblem (an internationally accepted RFID emblem) may be used instead.

The RAIN emblem can be placed on products to indicate the presence of the technology.  ISO/IEC 29160 proposes several RFID emblems, including the RAIN emblem, as a means of informing the public about the use of RAIN in consumer and workplace environments. The RAIN Alliance encourages the use of the RAIN emblem in these instances to help end users and consumers become more familiar with the technology.  However, the use of the RAIN emblem must meet members’ own contractual and legal requirements for use.

There are many different types of RFID technology. The differences include frequencies (UHF, HF, LF), standards, and intended uses. The RAIN name distinguishes the ISO/IEC 18000-63 standard, which uses a specific passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID technology from other forms of RFID. It provides a clear and simple identifier for the wide variety of products and services that comply with the standard. The RAIN name simplifies the terminology and makes it easier for the end-user to understand the uses and value of the technology. Similarly, the NFC brand provides differentiation for the Ecma-340, ISO/IEC 18092 standard which uses a specific version of passive HF RFID.

As the fastest-growing segment of the RFID market with hundreds of billions of tag ICs sold to date, RAIN is used in many markets and industries worldwide to identify, locate, authenticate, and engage items–providing numerous benefits to end users. While other IoT technologies bring other values, none can match RAIN for cost, simplicity, and availability. The RAIN name and emblems associate your business and products to this rapidly growing market. The RAIN name provides a clear identifier that helps people both clarify and differentiate passive UHF technology, for use on any value chain, from other IoT and RFID technologies. It reduces confusion and provides a mechanism for creating industry awareness of, and education about, the core capabilities and value of the technology so businesses can focus on differentiating products and services from competitors.  Some of the uses of RAIN include traceability in healthcare, smart manufacturing, and supply chain efficiency, to name just a few.

The RAIN name is not a registered trademark or brand, and as such, can be freely used to describe the technology according to the guidelines on this page. The RAIN emblem may be used free of charge by anyone (RAIN Alliance members and non-members) on marketing materials. The only limitation regarding the use of the RAIN emblem is that a license form needs to be completed (as is common practice throughout the industry).

The word RAIN—an acronym derived from RAdio IdentificatioN — was adopted in 2014 when several companies working with UHF RFID technology began to see that the term “RFID” was being used very broadly – to represent multiple types of sensor technologies – many of which did not have the same cost-effective, transformational capabilities of UHF RFID. This created a concern that the expanding use and meaning of the term “RFID” might confuse the market.

The RAIN Alliance is a neutral, not-for-profit industry organization supporting the universal adoption of RAIN , a standards-based, wireless technology that connects billions of everyday items to the Internet of Things, enabling businesses and consumers to identify, locate, authenticate, and engage assets.

RAIN Alliance Mission: The RAIN Alliance enables organizations to improve traceability, effectiveness, and sustainability by simplifying, standardizing, and accelerating the adoption of RAIN technology through global collaboration and innovation.

RAIN Alliance Vision: A world seamlessly connected through RAIN technology — enhancing lives, empowering industries, and driving a more sustainable, intelligent future for our planet.

The RAIN Alliance website includes industry news, ebooks, whitepapers, customer stories, and more: https://therainalliance.org/.

When speaking to partners, customers, coworkers, media, investors, and more, using the RAIN term at least once in conversation will help eliminate confusion and share the value of the technology. We recommend you use the term RAIN instead of RFID or UHF RFID. The more you use it, the more awareness it will create, improving communications between you and the customer. It can also simplify marketing and sales efforts.

We also recommend the use of the RAIN emblem on products to increase awareness of the benefits and use cases associated with the technology. The RAIN emblem can be placed on products to indicate the presence of the technology.  ISO/IEC 29160 proposes several RFID emblems, including the RAIN emblem, as a means of informing the public about the use of  RAIN in consumer and workplace environments. The RAIN Alliance encourages the use of the RAIN emblem in these instances to help end users and consumers become more familiar with the technology.  However, the use of the RAIN emblem must meet members’ own contractual and legal requirements for use. Please note: RAIN is not a registered trademark or brand.

RAIN identifies, locates, authenticates, and engages items using passive Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that complies with the ISO/IEC 18000-63 standard (also known as GS1 UHF Gen2). RAIN tags cost pennies and can be read or interrogated at short or long range (up to 20 meters), without line-of-sight (through most materials such as cartons, boxes, wood, etc.), at high speeds and volumes (more than 1,000 tags per second). These unique capabilities make it ideally suited for use on trillions of items from apparel to pharmaceuticals to food, all along the supply chain.

In comparison, Low-Frequency (LF) RFID only provides short range (centimeters) and reads one tag at a time. High frequency (HF) RFID is commonly used for access control mobile payment or inside your passport, public transport ticket. The NFC brand refers to a particular type of HF RFID.  Active RFID uses batteries to communicate, increasing the read distance to several tens of meters.  For more information:

The RAIN Alliance Terminology and Emblem Usage Guide includes sample copy that can be used by anyone. And the RAIN Alliance website includes industry news, ebooks, whitepapers, customer stories, and more: https://therainalliance.org/

You can create RAIN marketing materials, share both internally and externally, and update your website. If a customer is unfamiliar with RAIN, share information and evangelize. These educational materials provide you with a great reason to contact a customer.  RAIN Alliance resources can be found here.

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