Bluetooth SIG Updated Listing Process FAQ

© Bluetooth SIG 2013. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. pg 1 of 11 / Dec 2013

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPDATED QUALIFICATION AND LISTING PROCESSPRICINGWhy did you change the prices for qualification listing?The Board of Directors agreed to adjust the current Bluetooth SIG funding model to support the expanding membership base with the tools, projects and strategic initiatives our members and the brand requires for continued growth.

The SIG has not made any pricing changes since 2005. In that time, inflation saw a 24 percent increase. Moreover, the SIG developed its current funding model more than ten years ago when there were a handful of high volume use cases for BR/EDR implementations and prior to wide availability of reference designs. The model worked for its time but with the advent of Bluetooth Smart, the rapid increase in SIG membership, and the arrival of reference designs for Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart technology, we saw End Product Listings (EPLs) rise dramatically while Qualified Design Listings (QDLs) remained flat. As the organization derives around 2/3 of its revenue from QDL fees, we have seen flattening revenue despite the significant increase in both membership and Bluetooth products in the market.

How is the listing process and pricing different?With the change in pricing, the SIG lowered individual listing fees, streamlined the administration process and expanded the products to which listing fees apply. The SIG is discontinuing the QDID fee and replacing it with a new listing fee and Declaration ID—applied to a member’s listing. The listing fee will be USD 4,000 for Associate and Promoter members and USD 8,000 for Adopter members. The Declaration ID will be a unique identifier for the declaration of compliance with the terms and conditions in the Bluetooth Trademark License Agreement and Bluetooth Patent/Copyright License Agreement. Depending on the qualified design implementation, a single listing fee and Declaration ID may include multiple products.

As an additional benefit, the Profile Tuning Suite (PTS) will now be free to all members—a USD 7,500 savings. PTS is a powerful, software-based testing tool that automates protocol and profile interoperability testing.

Does the SIG have a listing fee discount for small or start-up companies?Yes, the SIG launched the Innovation Incentive Program for small/start-up member companies. The program allows member companies with less than one million USD in annual revenues and no prior listings (Declarations, QDLs or EPLs) to declare a product for a special listing fee of USD 2,500. Members must use the Declaration ID within 18 months or it expires. You can find more information on www.bluetooth.org.

If I am using a chip manufacturer’s solution as is and they already paid a listing fee, do I have to pay a fee as well?Yes, each member is required to declare their use of a unique design in order to satisfy the necessary conditions for obtaining the Bluetooth Trademark and patent and copyright licenses under the Bluetooth Trademark License Agreement (“Trademark Agreement”) and under the Bluetooth Patent/Copyright License Agreement (“PCLA”). This process is the same for all members, and uses the same systems and resources. Therefore, each declaration requires a listing fee. If you are an Associate member, you do receive a 50 percent discount on each listing fee.


Can you change the prices for membership instead of adding a listing fee?We definitely considered this option. However, simply increasing Associate membership fees did not accomplish our goals, and adding an Adopter membership fee raised an unnecessary barrier and proved prohibitive for companies to learn about and adopt Bluetooth technology. The addition of a listing fee positions the Bluetooth SIG to scale with inflation and growth of new members and products.

QUALIFICATIONHow do I complete Qualification with the new listing process?The Qualification process remains unchanged. Members are still required to:

1. Create new a Qualification project using the TPG

a. Declare your supported features

b. Check for compliance

c. Generate Test Plan

2. Perform Qualification Testing

a. Execute the tests according to the Test Plan using the PTS, BITE or other Member Defined test setup

b. Generate Test Reports/Evidence

3. List your Design/Product

a. Upload Test Evidence

b. Sign Declarations

c. Submit Listing

What changes is how a QDID is generated and the fee associated with the listing requirements. Instead of purchasing a QDID for your design, the QDID is generated and assigned when you create a Qualification project. The QDID is considered a “draft” until you upload your testing evidence and you are ready to create a new listing.

In order to complete the listing process, members are now required to pay a listing fee. A Declaration ID will be issued as proof of purchase and be assigned to the listing in addition to the QDID.

If you are only implementing an already Qualified Design, you will still be required to complete the Declaration ofCompliance (DoC) with a Declaration ID. Y our declaration will include a list of all products that implement thereferenced QDID. The same interface used to create a QDL will be used to create the reference listing. A single Declaration ID may contain multiple products if each one implements the same referenced QDID.

In summary, what changes is:

• Administration of a listing fee

• The process will guide members through a single web interface to satisfy both the qualification and new listing

requirements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPDATED QUALIFICATION AND LISTING PROCESS


QUALIFICATION Continued• To complete listing requirements a member will pay a listing fee to access the listing interface

• Members will be issued a Declaration ID as proof of purchase

º QDIDs will no longer be purchased

• A Declaration ID may include multiple product listings only if each product implements the Qualified Design(s) referenced

How will this make it easier to qualify my product?All members will create and manage listings through a single web interface to fulfill both qualification and new listing requirements. The new single interface provides a streamlined experience for completing the qualification process.

What happens to our existing EPLs?All EPLs created prior to 1 February 2014 remain publically listed and considered to have satisfied the previous qualification marking requirements. Members are not required to create a new listing or purchase a Declaration ID for their existing EPLs.

Can we update our EPLs?Yes, but only for editorial changes and through a written request to the [email protected]. Members will not be allowed to add additional products to existing EPLs. New products implementing the same or new QDIDs will be required to purchase a Declaration ID and create a new listing for the product(s).

What happens to existing QDLs and how can I reference them to create new listings?All QDLs created prior to 1 February 2014 will remain publically listed and considered to have satisfied the Qualification Program requirements. How members reference existing QDLs will be updated to accommodate the new listing process.

Each Qualified Design was issued a Project ID# (not previously exposed) that will now be the QDID used as reference for new product listings. Existing QDIDs will be considered a Declaration ID for reference, administration and listing management.



QUALIFICATION ContinuedCurrent reference model (existing designs)

New reference model (existing designs)

What if I release new products using the same design after I completed my declaration?Members owning the original QDL will be able to add new products implementing the design to the listing without paying additional fees or creating a brand new listing. Members implementing another member’s Qualified Design will be required to purchase a Declaration ID and create a new listing for the new product.

How are components treated in the new declaration model?Components will be treated the same as they are today. Members using Components must qualify a new End Product Design or Subsystem Design. To complete the listing, a Declaration ID must be purchased.

Can I reference multiple Subsystem QDIDs in my declaration?Yes, but each unique QDID is required to complete a listing with a Declaration ID assigned before it may be referenced in new listings. Once listed, members may reference the QDID of each subsystem implemented into their products if it matches one of allowed combinations at the following page:


• Feature List• Test Evidence• DoC/SDoC

Qualified Design Listing

Assigned but not public

EPL

Project ID: 12345

QD ID: B099999

Qualified Design & Product Listing*

* Members are allowed to update their listings with the new End

Products without paying additional fees or creating a new listing

**New listings will receive a D099999 format

Declaration ID: B099999**

QD ID: 12345• Feature List• Test Evidence• DoC/SDoC


QUALIFICATION ContinuedQUALIFIED DESIGN TYPES

Controller Subsystem + Host Subsystem

Host Subsystem + Profile Subsystem

Controller Subsystem + Host Subsystem + Profile Subsystem(s)

End Product + Profile Subsystem(s)

What if I make changes to the form factor of my product? Is a new Declaration ID required?If the change does not affect the Qualified Design then a new Declaration ID is not required. The resulting change(s) to a product that does not affect the Qualified Design is considered a new product that must be added to your product list associated with your existing Declaration ID.

How do I know when someone references my qualification?Like today, an email notification will be sent to the QDID owner that includes details of the new listing being created.

What if I did not authorize use of my qualification?This will be treated as a QEP issue. Members will report the violation to the [email protected] who will take corrective action to resolve the issue.

MEMBERSHIPI’m already an Associate member, how does this impact me?Associate membership pricing did not change, and you will continue to receive special Associate benefits. Your Associate discount for listings is still 50 percent so your listing fee for a new Declaration will be USD 4,000 instead of USD 8,000.

I am an Adopter. Does that mean I have to pay USD 8,000 for my Bluetooth product?Yes, the listing fee for one product is USD 8,000 for Adopter members. If you are doing more than one product within a 12-month period, consider upgrading to an Associate membership. If you qualify as a Small Associate member, your annual membership fee is USD 7,500, and your listing fee is reduced by 50 percent, to USD 4,000. For two declarations, you will save USD 500 and USD 4,000 for subsequent declarations during your annual Associate membership term.

If you have not listed any products with the Bluetooth SIG (QDLs, EPLs, Declarations), and your annual revenue is less than one million USD, you may qualify for the Innovation Incentive Program. If you satisfy the program criteria and are approved, you can purchase a declaration for USD 2,500, a savings of USD 5,500.



MEMBERSHIP ContinuedWhat about existing QDLS:

MIGRATION OF EXISTING QDLS/EPLS

Before 1 Feb 2014, I’ve already:

What happens on 1 Feb 2014? Do I need to do anything?

Requested QDID invoice, but haven’t paid

Your invoice would be cancelled No action needed.

If you require a new Declaration ID, you would start the new listing process (see below).

Paid for QDID, but did not use / have not completed QDL

On 1 February 2014, we’ll get a report of all the unused QDID numbers:

• For all full price QDLs, we’ll issue new Declaration numbers and place a credit on the company account for the difference (between the QDID & listing fee)

º New D0XXXXX IDs

º To use a credit towards a new Declaration ID the member will need to contact [email protected]

• For all unused Design Change (DC) QDLs, we’ll issue credits on the member’s account

º No new Declaration IDs are issued

º To use a credit towards a new Declaration ID, the member will need to contact [email protected]

Continue with Qualification and listing steps.

Contact [email protected] for credit towards a new Declaration ID.

Paid for QDID, and completed QDL

QDL is now a Declaration. The B0XXXXX number would still be active and is now the Declaration ID.

The new QDID (formerly the “hidden” Project ID) for the existing QDL will be surfaced and will become the reference number new Declarations can use.

No action needed.



MEMBERSHIP ContinuedMIGRATION OF EXISTING QDLS/EPLS (CONTINUED)

Before 1 Feb 2014, I’ve already:

What happens on 1 Feb 2014? Do I need to do anything?

Listed EPL referencing own QDID QDL is now a Declaration.

The B0XXXXX number would still be active and is now the Declaration ID.

EPLs remain unchanged and are “grandfathered” listings.

No action needed.

You may add the product information from existing EPLs to your listing (not required). If you do this, you have the option to “archive” your EPLs. “Archiving” your EPLs mean, they will no longer be available for public viewing.

Listed EPL referencing another company’s QDID

EPLs remain unchanged and are “grandfathered” listings.

Any modifications to EPL listings will not be allowed (unless specific request due to grammatical errors, etc.)

No action needed.

For any new models using the original design referenced, you will need to create a new Declaration (see below).

ACTIONS AFTER LAUNCH

After 1 Feb 2014, I want to:

What do I need to do? Fee? (Adopter/Associate)

Create a new design, or make changes to an existing design

Purchase and create a new Declaration (D0XXXXX)

This Declaration will reference a new QDID, and you must complete the Qualification Process.

USD 8 , 000 / USD 4 , 000

Add Products for any design my company owns

You should already have a Declaration ID for this design (B0XXXXX or D0XXXXX). Update the Products in your existing Declaration

No

Add Products for a design owned by another member

If you do not have a Declaration ID for this design:

Purchase and create a new Declaration, referencing the other member’s QDID

Update the Products in this Declaration

USD 8 , 000 / USD 4 , 000

If you already have a Declaration ID for this design:

Update the Products in this DeclarationNo



MEMBERSHIP ContinuedACTIONS AFTER LAUNCH (CONTINUED)

After 1 Feb 2014, I want to:

What do I need to do? Fee? (Adopter/Associate)

Update my existing EPL to add a new Product

Any EPL listing modifications will not be allowed (unless specific request due to grammatical errors, etc.).

EPLs remain unchanged and are “grandfathered” listings. Follow steps for “Add Products…”

Transfer listing from Member A to Member B

No changes to Transfer Rules.

BOTH the Declaration ID and QDID(s) will be transferred from Member A to Member B.

Fees if transferring from:

Associate to Adopter (USD 4 k)

IIP to non-IIP (USD 5.5k/USD 1.5k)

Pay the difference between the different types.

Apply for Innovation Incentive Program

Check eligibility:

No Declarations, QDL, EPL

Verified annual revenue < $1M USD

If approved—complete payment of USD 2,500 Proceed to use Declaration ID as normal. You must use yourDeclaration ID within 1 8 months.

USD 2,500

C ompanies may partcipate inthe IIP only once.

EXAMPLES

Before 1 Feb 2014 After 1 Feb 2014 Data Notes

Existing QDID, created before Feb1

Member ABC has QDID B011111 References Project ID 12345

Same QDL/Declaration for Member ABC Declaration B011111 References QDID 12345

All data is retained. Basically, Declarations with IDs B0xxxxx are pre-launch, and Declarations with IDs D0xxxxx are post-launch.

New / Update design

-New Declaration for Member ABCDeclaration D033333References QDID 33333



MEMBERSHIP ContinuedEXAMPLES (CONTINUED)

Before 1 Feb 2014 After 1 Feb 2014 Data Notes

Existing EPL, referencing my own QDID

Member ABC has EPL 111, references QDID B011111, references Project ID 12345

EPL 111 remains and is “grandfathered” Product is part of Declaration B011111, references QDID 12345

Information for EPLs can be added to the existing Declaration, and EPL 111 can be archived from public view.

All original EPL records are retained. EPL records will NOT be updated or created after launch.

New Product on my own design

-

Add Product xyz to New or Existing Declaration for Member ABC Declaration D033333 References QDID 33333

Existing EPL, referencing another member’s QDID

Member XYZ has EPL 222, references QDID B011111, References Project ID 12345 owned by Member ABC

New Product, referencing another member’s QDID

New Declaration for Member XYZ Declaration D022222, references QDID 12345

Existing Paid QDID, but did not use / have not completed QDL (Full QDL Example)

Member XYZ QDID B033333 (not complete)

New Declaration for Member XYZ Declaration D044444

Unused New IIP Declaration

-Member XXX Declaration D055555 Declaration expires 18-months after create date



INNOVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAMI already have a QDL/EPL, but I’m still a small company. Can I apply?No. The Innovation Incentive Program is only for member companies who do not have any existing QDLs, EPLs, or Declarations.

I am a small division of a larger company (> $1M USD revenues). Can I apply?No. The Innovation Incentive Program is only for member companies whose annual revenue is less than $1M USD.

BRANDWhat’s required to receive the license to use the Bluetooth word, figure or combination mark in my product merchandising?As part of the Trademark Agreement and the PCLA, a Bluetooth SIG member company satisfies the necessary conditions for obtaining the Bluetooth trademark and patent and copyright licenses by completing the qualification and listing requirements and paying the necessary listing fees to the Bluetooth SIG.

If my product was previously qualified or listed, can I still use the Bluetooth marks? Yes. Any Bluetooth enabled product previously passing the Bluetooth SIG qualification process continues to be eligible to use the appropriate Bluetooth marks.

Why did Bluetooth SIG add the Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready brands? The Bluetooth SIG introduced Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready to provide an industry standard for manufacturers to help customers quickly identify device compatibility. Devices using only the Bluetooth low energy core configuration are not compatible with devices using only a Bluetooth basic rate core configuration. When you see Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth Smart Ready, you know the products work together.

What are the requirements for using the Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth Smart Ready marks?You can find requirements for using the Bluetooth Smart or Bluetooth Smart Ready marks on the member website at https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/bluetooth-brand/bluetooth-brand.

When should I use the Bluetooth Smart branding on my product?If your product meets the Bluetooth Smart requirements above, you should use the Bluetooth Smart brand. Typically, Bluetooth Smart branded products are sensor or data collector devices transmitting data to a ‘hub’ device. By using the Bluetooth Smart brand, you are telling customers your product is compatible with the universe of Bluetooth Smart Ready smartphones, tablets and other hub devices. The brand helps customers quickly identify device compatibility and reduces returns, customer confusion and support calls.



BRAND ContinuedWhen should I use the Bluetooth Smart Ready branding on my product?If your product meets the Bluetooth Smart Ready requirements above, you should use the Bluetooth Smart Ready brand. Typically, Bluetooth Smart Ready branded products are ‘hub’ devices such as smartphones, tablets or PCs receiving data from a Bluetooth Smart device and turning it into actionable information using an application on the device or in the cloud. By using the Bluetooth Smart Ready brand, you are telling customers your product can connect to the universe of Bluetooth products—the ones they own today and the Bluetooth Smart devices they’ll own tomorrow.

Does the SIG have tools or programs to help me with branding and marketing my Bluetooth products?Yes. The Bluetooth SIG offers a wide range of tools and programs to help with branding and promoting your Bluetooth enabled product including the Bluetooth Smart Marketer Program. This no-cost offering can help generate publicity for your Bluetooth Smart branded product through Bluetooth SIG’s brand expertise, public relations, social media and online channels. To learn more about all of the marketing programs available, visit https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/marketing/marketing-programs-update.

Where can I find the brand usage guidelines and Bluetooth logo art?Complete brand use guidelines and logo art files are available in the Bluetooth SIG Brand Guide. If you have satisfied the licensing requirements of the PCLA, you can download everything you need at https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/bluetooth-brand/bluetooth-brand.


Documents

Bluetooth SIG Updated Listing Process FAQ