Absolutely authentic

16 September 2008



Linoprotect technology ensures secure labelling of packaging and products


Experts estimate that brand and product piracy results in global losses each year of around US$ 600bn1. To safeguard against counterfeiters, Linoprint, an innovation project by Heidelberg, is developing an anti-piracy system that can be flexibly integrated in packaging lines to provide reliable protection against counterfeiting.

The new technology, Linoprotect, is based on two key modules - a pattern randomly generated from copper threads and a related data matrix code. A software package specially developed for this technology allows the end user to check the authenticity of the labelled products using a mobile phone camera, PDA or scanner. The combination of the two modules on the product, neither of which can be reproduced, is said to ensure protection against copying of either the product itself or its packaging by counterfeiters.

Linoprotect uses a combination of two security technologies and an optical verification system. Firstly, ultra-thin copper or metal threads are combined to generate a random pattern which is applied to the packaging by means of a label. This pattern is read by the Linoprotect reading module. A cryptographic key that is unique to each customer converts it into an equally unique data matrix code. This code is printed onto the packaging next to the label with the pattern of copper threads using a digital Linoprint Drop on Demand inkjet system.

Like other Linoprint systems, Linoprotect can also be integrated into new or existing packaging lines. The point at which the system is applied is determined by the production environment and – not least – by the product being labelled.

Linoprotect will be particularly interesting for companies operating in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile and beverage industries. It allows product manufacturers to protect their brand names against misuse by defining in advance how many articles a packaging company may label using the new technology. The quota setting is also performed cryptographically and can be redefined each day.

Linoprotect is said to provides a cost effective means for protecting even very small batches against counterfeiting.

Brand manufacturers, customs officers and customers can check the authenticity of a product labelled with Linoprotect using a mobile phone camera or a scanner and special software that is freely available. The software compares the two Linoprotect security features on the product or packaging and identifies whether or not the content of the data matrix code matches the pattern in the adjacent field. Unlike other product security methods such as RFID, the authenticity of products labelled with Linoprotect can be checked as often as necessary, says Heidelberg.

The new system also enables brand goods manufacturers to provide customers and dealers with various items of additional information. For example, the ‘sell by’ date or the dosage can be stored in the data matrix code and accessed when performing the authenticity check. Sales centres and supermarkets can also integrate the verification process into their existing logistics systems. The additional data supplied can also be used for logistics purposes.

In addition, Linoprotect can be used to transfer, for example, weblinks to a manufacturer’s website or product page to the customer’s mobile phone. This gives branded goods manufacturers additional options for addressing customers – particularly bearing in mind that more and more people are now accessing the internet through their mobile phones while they are travelling.

The system will be commercially available from the start of 2009.

References: 1 International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Business Summit, June 2008


Linoprotect checks the authenticity of products using two patterns that cannot be copied Linoprotect The Linoprotect patterns cannot be copied even with identical technical equipment Linoprotect 2 Related Articles
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