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It's a little involved, but here is the story and supporting documents that I still have. In 1998 I created a company called New Century Music to publish music for school and church groups. I needed a barcode in order to get the music into certain retailers.
June 1998 - Applying to UCC for a prefix code.
In 1998 I created a company called New Century Music to publish music for school and church groups. I needed a barcode in order to get the music into certain retailers. I sent an application and paid a $350 fee to the Uniform Code Council,
which at the time was responsible for assigning company prefixes. In June 1998,
I received my prefix code.
Early 2003 - Receiving a bill for an additional yearly fee.
Fast forward to 2003. I received a letter of payment due to increasing costs. I paid the bill fearing I might loose my
barcode prefix if I didn't.
Fall 2003 - I receive notice of a class action law suit.
Several months later I received a notice of a class action lawsuit against the Uniform Code Council which I joined. Now at first, I hardly ever believe these things and most usually never actually pay out any cash. I also just moved 1300 miles to Anaheim, CA and they had to have worked to find me.
Spring 2004 - I receive a check!
I ended up receiving a full refund of $150 from the class action as well being released from the new contract which I accepted by sending in the payment.
2006 - Verified that I own that prefix
for life.
I called what is now GS1 (formally UUC) and verified that I do indeed own the company
UPC barcode prefix code with no further fees or charges.
2008 - Engaging Ventures and smallbusinessupc.com are born.
In 2008 I officially changed the name of my company to Engaging Ventures and transferred ownership of my company
barcode prefix. Here is a copy of the letter stating so.
Supporting Links
Here are the links I used to verify the legitimacy of reselling item codes with my prefix.
The website barcode-us.com is a Solutions Partner with GS1. While they do not support the sale of individual UPC codes, they do admit there is nothing illegal about it.
http://www.barcode-us.com/info_center/upcreseller.htm
A website from George J. Laurer, the inventor of the UPC, on the services he offers.
http://www.laurerupc.com
Here is the site of GS1 in the Unites States.
http://www.gs1us.org/
Sites that also sell individual barcodes:
(for your shopping comparison convenience)
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Individual
barcodes
