IEEE 1584 – Required Certification for Products/Services?

I have heard a rumour that IEEE1584 are up to their old tricks again.
Back in 2012 it was to introduce royalties for use of the equations. This time I understand that the IEEE Standards Association are planning to require certification for the use of the next edition of IEEE 1584 in products and services with that Certification commanding an not unsubstantial fee for the certification.
I have a number of issues with all of this. Technical Standards are firstly produced by a number of experts including those who actively participate in the development of the standard at meetings etc. but also third parties who comment at all stages through to the ballot stage.
IEEE1584 is not the culmination of the work of a single person neither is it the work of only those members of the TC but it is the work of many people over many years some of whom, like Ernie Jones, are no longer with us. They’ll be wanting to copyright Ohms Law next!
To even consider a system of Certification of persons would be full of holes and the only benefit would be to those who certify and this is erroneous in itself. Who certifies and what qualifies them to certify? I started in this field in 1993. I’m a Fellow of the IET; Senior Member of the IEEE; Chair the European Cenelec TC responsible for this field of activity and contribute on the IEC Committees – etc. etc. I resent someone believing they have the authority to certify me or others like me.
This would be a very dangerous precedent. The IEEE need to be reminded of their roots and why the Institution was founded back in 1884 and be aware of a potential backlash if they allow a minority to capitalise on others work.
From the point of my National Committee we would be requesting to IEC to develop its own information for distribution on a global platform; to drop the official Liaison with IEEE; and basically suggesting to the UK and European industry not to reference IEEE 1584.
I would be interested if there is any substance in this rumour and will anyone be at the September meeting in Philadelphia.
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