A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained
within a product and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To
utilize the system, an integrated transmitter assembly is attached to at
least some component parts within a product. Each of the integrated
transponder assemblies transmits an identification code. In a database,
the identification codes of the integrated transponder assemblies are
recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they
were originally installed. Products in the marketplace are periodically
scanned. As products are scanned, the integrated transponders contained
in those products transmit their identification codes. The identification
codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals
a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.