Maplewood-based 3M has joined a patent licensing consortium made up of companies that develop RFID technology. According to the company, the goal of the consortium is to promote rapid adoption of RFID by providing easier access to essential patents and to help patent owners receive fair compensation for their patents. The consortium currently has eight members.

In other 3M-related RFID news, one of its subsidiaries, HighJump Software, has agreed to purchase Global Beverage Group, a Canadian firm that specializes in delivery management solutions for the direct-store-delivery of consumer packaged goods. The deal will close next month.