Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for identifying and tracking ownership of a power tool, a power tool battery pack, or another device (“the device”) by storing a chain-of-custody in a memory therein. Initially, a serial number that uniquely identifies the device as well as first owner information, such as the manufacturer, are stored in the chain-of-custody memory. When ownership changes, such as when the device is received by a retailer, the chain-of-custody memory is updated to include the new (second) owner information. When the device is sold by the retailer, the ownership information is updated again to include the new (third) owner information. Reading and writing to the chain-of-custody memory may be performed wirelessly using an external wireless device, such as a handheld unit. Additionally, reading and writing to the chain-of-custody memory may occur via a secure transmission to avoid improper access to the memory.

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First Claim