In the Scantrust R&D center in Lausanne, scattered on desks and pinned on walls, you’ll find anti-counterfeit labels, stickers, holograms, and QR codes from all over the world – evidence of over a decade spent analyzing both traditional and emerging anti-counterfeiting technologies.<\/p>\n
We often get asked about the different technologies available to brands and governments seeking to incorporate anti-counterfeiting features into products and documents. Here we present a list of the key technologies and leading companies commercializing them.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n In 2021, the European Union Intellectual Property Office released a helpful report<\/a> defining the key categories of anti-counterfeiting technologies. The below list of anti-counterfeiting technology companies builds off of the work by the EUIPO in that report by highlighting key companies with relevant solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n The European Union Intellectual Property Office classifies anti counterfeiting technology in 6 categories:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n Each of these technologies is listed along with the names of companies that offer solutions in those categories and some key considerations. Though there are many vendors of the technologies which are not listed here, based on our experience researching and developing anti counterfeiting technology, we chose companies which we believe are leaders in the field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n RFID tags and NFC devices are electronic tags that can also be used as anti-counterfeiting technologies. They use electronic signals for identification and authentication.<\/p>\n Magnetic strip, contact chip, and RFID and NFC solution providers often sell into industries where secure transactions and identity verification are important.<\/p>\n NFC readers usually must come within at least ten centimeters of the tag to be able to read them, unless special antennas are used. There are also different kinds of NFC tags – passive and active – which have different properties.<\/p>\n RFID tags are especially suited for use cases that involve reading many tags at once, even up to hundreds of items.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n Use cases for RFID & NFC tags:<\/b><\/p>\n Companies specializing in RFID-based anti-counterfeiting technology:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus: <\/b>Specializes in RFID technology for inventory management. They also offer an anti-counterfeiting solution.<\/p>\n Main region:<\/b> USA<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Coca-Cola, Macy\u2019s<\/p>\n Products:<\/b> Speedway RFID readers, Monza RFID tags<\/p>\n Advantages:<\/b> Impinj is a an established innovator in RFID technology. They have specialized experience with applications in inventory management but have expanded into using RFID for anti-counterfeiting. Best for: <\/b>Applications where the per unit cost of RFID is within budget and\/or projects that require the use of RFID for supply chain and logistical purposes. Also appropriate when the authentication is limited to supply chain operators with a specific reader device.<\/p>\n Learn more at www.impinj.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Avery Dennison\u2028<\/b> Region:<\/b> Global<\/p>\n Known Clients: <\/b>Decathlon, Marks & Spencer<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>AD-332u8 RFID tags, M730\/750 series inlays<\/p>\n Advantages:<\/b> Avery Dennison offers one of the widest ranges of RFID and NFC solutions that integrate with packaging and labeling. They even offer a dual use RFID\/NFC chip, RAINFC, that covers both tag types by operating on 2 frequencies.<\/p>\n Best for: <\/b>Applications with apparel and clothing where the RFID tag does double duty for logistics. Additional complexity and cost of integrating electronic solutions with existing systems needs to be acceptable.<\/p>\n Learn more at www.averydennison.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Marking technologies include a varied set of techniques, such as machine readable codes, security holograms, ink-based authentication methods, and copy-detection patterns. Like other categories of anti counterfeit technology, marking tech can be combined to stack counterfeiting countermeasures. In practice, marking technologies are often used in conjunction with another anti counterfeiting solution. Tamper-evident labels are a good example of an opportunity for anti counterfeit feature stacking.<\/p>\n Scantrust copy detection patterns, for example secure QR codes that are distinct from standard QR codes, are in this category.<\/p>\n Use cases for marking technologies:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n Companies specializing in marking-based anti-counterfeiting technology:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area: <\/b>Expertise in using QR codes for various applications including compliance information and an enhanced secure QR code for anti-counterfeiting. Flexible offerings that can include other anti-counterfeiting systems such as anti-tampering (mechanical).<\/p>\n Region:<\/b> Europe, Middle East, African continent, East and Southeast Asia, U.S.A.<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Dupont, Motul, Exxon Mobil, Amway, Fortune 500 companies<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>Secure QR code, Intelligent Redirect<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Works with existing product label and packaging printing systems. Can be authenticated without specialized equipment: a mobile phone with a camera and internet connection is sufficient.<\/p>\n Best for: <\/b>When the anti counterfeiting solution must work with existing printing and manufacturing processes. For projects where there is flexibility for authentication by end users, supply chain operators, and inspectors alike is needed. Also ideal when additional benefits, like traceability, consumer engagement and compliance, can be combined with and complement anti counterfeiting features.<\/p>\n Learn more about Scantrust <\/em>anti-counterfeiting solutions<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area: <\/b>Provides secure printing and holographic solutions for product authentication.<\/p>\n Main region: <\/b>U.K. and E.U.<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> British government, central banks<\/p>\n Products:<\/b> Optiks\u2122 security thread, Kinetic StarChrome\u00ae<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Renowned for high-security printing and holographic solutions.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> Similar to SICPA, De La Rue anti counterfeiting options are designed for when centralized production or application of security tags is required or possible. Authentication is usually performed by inspectors, with a first-level overt (visual) authentication by end users.<\/p>\n Learn more at www.delarue.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area:<\/strong> Known for security inks and marking solutions used in banknotes and product packaging.<\/p>\n Main region: <\/b>Switzerland, E.U. countries, the U.S. and other major regions.<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Various governments for currency security.<\/p>\n Products:<\/b> Security inks, SICPATRACE\u00ae<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>SICPA has recognized expertise in security inks and complex marking technologies. Their solutions are used in currency and secure documents.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/b> Applications where centralized production or application of security tags is required or possible. In the ideal situation for this anti counterfeiting technology, authentication is performed by inspectors, with a first-level overt (visual) authentication by consumers.<\/p>\n Learn more at <\/em>www.sicpa.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n These technologies use chemical substances or physical properties to create unique markers. DNA coding, glue coding, and surface fingerprinting are all Chemical & Physical technologies. These markers often require specialized equipment or laboratory analysis for verification, making them highly secure but less practical for quick, on-site checks.\u2028\u2028 DNA coding and surface fingerprinting companies offering solutions like DNA coding and surface fingerprinting, which use biological and physical markers to secure and authenticate products, have the potential to have a bigger role among anti counterfeiting technology companies. For the time being however, these are bleeding edge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n Use cases for chemical and physical anti-counterfeiting technologies:<\/b><\/p>\n Companies specializing in chemical and physical anti-counterfeiting technology:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area:<\/strong> Uses DNA-based markers to facilitate authentication of products.<\/p>\n Region: <\/b>USA<\/p>\n Known Clients: <\/b>Government agencies, textile manufacturers<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>SigNature\u00ae DNA, CertainT\u00ae<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Unique DNA-based markers that are extremely difficult to replicate.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> When the security tags need to be covert and authentication can be done via lab analysis.<\/p>\n Challenges: <\/b>Requires laboratory analysis for verification, which can be time-consuming or not possible for some project requirements.<\/p>\n Learn more at adnas.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area:<\/strong> Offers digital invisible marking technologies for product protection.<\/p>\n Region:<\/b> Switzerland<\/p>\n Known Clients: <\/b>Pharmaceuticals, luxury goods manufacturers<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>Cryptoglyph\u00ae, Fingerprint\u2122<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Invisible digital marking technologies that do not alter the appearance of the product.<\/p>\n Best for: <\/b>When the security tags need to be covert, integrate with existing production systems, and there is no end user involvement for authentication expected.<\/p>\n Learn more at www.alpvision.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Mechanical technologies focus on the physical properties of labels, seals, and security threads. A physical element is attached to the product visual device dependent authentication. Mechanical solutions typically incur some manufacturing or customisation cost but can be quickly implemented with minimal changes to existing production processes.<\/p>\n Anti-alteration device suppliers make devices that are specifically designed to indicate when there are tampering attempts. These are the same kind of mechanisms used in anti-doping efforts such as in competitive sports by the company Lockon (link).<\/p>\n Use cases for Mechanical technologies:<\/b><\/p>\n Focus area: <\/b>Provides security seals and tamper-evident solutions for various industries.<\/p>\n Region: <\/b>USA<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Logistics companies, government agencies<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>TydenSeal\u2122, E-Z Loc\u00ae seals<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Wide range of mechanical security seals and tamper-evident solutions.<\/p>\n Best for: <\/b>When anti counterfeiting on the product packaging alone is not sufficient and the product itself needs to be authenticated. This will be a good option if there is budget to cover this kind of stacked security,\u00a0 meaning that it is typically stacked, or combined, with a marking technology.<\/p>\n Learn more at <\/em>www.tydenbrooks.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area:<\/strong> Produces a range of security labels and films designed to prevent tampering and counterfeiting.<\/p>\n Region:<\/b> Global<\/p>\n Known Clients: <\/b>Various industries<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>3M\u2122 Tamper-Evident Label Materials, 3M\u2122 Scotchlite\u2122 Reflective Material<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Diverse portfolio of security labels and films with high durability.<\/p>\n Best for: <\/b>Similar to Tyden Brooks, when protecting the product packaging alone is not sufficient. So long as there is budget to cover the required extra cost, this protection can be afforded and is stacked for better results.<\/p>\n Learn more at <\/em>www.3m.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Anti-counterfeiting technologies for digital media include digital rights management (DRM) systems and automatic content recognition technologies such as digital watermarks, hashing, and fingerprinting. These methods embed or generate information within digital files to protect and identify intellectual property, making them effective against digital counterfeiting. Like the category title says, these are for digital media and aren\u2019t appropriate for preventing counterfeiting of physical items.<\/p>\n Digital watermarking, rights management, and hashing solution providers work with some of the biggest digital media companies in the world.<\/p>\n Use cases for digital media anti-counterfeiting:<\/b><\/p>\n Focus area: <\/b>Specializes in digital watermarking solutions for brand protection and anti-counterfeiting.<\/p>\n Region:<\/b> Primarily in the United States<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Retailers, media companies<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>Digimarc Barcode, Digimarc Discover<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Advanced digital watermarking solutions that integrate seamlessly with digital content. They also offer solutions for authenticating physical items where most companies only offer physical item anti counterfeiting or digital product solutions.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/b> Digital images or files that are part of a regular copyright infringement.<\/p>\n Learn more at www.digimarc.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area: <\/b>Provides digital rights management (DRM) solutions to protect digital media content.<\/p>\n Region:<\/b> USA<\/p>\n Known Clients:<\/b> Broadcasters, content providers<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>Verimatrix VCAS\u2122, Verimatrix Watermarking<\/p>\n Advantages:<\/b> Robust DRM solutions providing strong protection for digital media.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/b> Video content anti-piracy.<\/p>\n Learn more at <\/em>www.verimatrix.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Shared ledger technologies, like blockchain, provide a decentralized way to record and verify transactions and histories. This is used to create a history, or ledger, of movement throughout the supply chain. The desire when using shared ledger technologies is to make it easier to detect and prevent counterfeiting by being able to check for any inconsistencies in a public ledger. This can be integrated with other anti-counterfeiting measures. \u2028\u2028Companies offering blockchain-based solutions that provide a decentralized ledger typically try to make the point that shared ledgers can be integrated with other technologies to improve anti-counterfeiting efforts.<\/p>\n Use cases for shared ledger technologies:<\/b><\/p>\n Companies who provide shared ledger technology for anti counterfeiting:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Focus area:<\/strong> Provides blockchain-based solutions for supply chain and anti-counterfeiting purposes.<\/p>\n Region: <\/b>USA<\/p>\n Known Clients: <\/b>Pharmaceutical companies, logistics firms<\/p>\n Products: <\/b>MediLedger Network, Chronicled Custody<\/p>\n Advantages: <\/b>Comprehensive blockchain solutions for supply chain transparency and anti-counterfeiting.<\/p>\n Challenges: <\/b>Adoption can be challenging due to the need for widespread industry cooperation.<\/p>\n\n Key categories of anti counterfeiting technology companies\n <\/h1>\n\n\n
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\n 1. RFID & NFC (a.k.a. electronic technologies)\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: Impinj\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
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\n<\/b><\/p>\n\n Company: Avery Dennison\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\nProvides RFID and NFC solutions for product authentication and supply chain tracking.<\/p>\n\n 2. Marking technologies\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: Scantrust\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n Company: De La Rue\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n Company: SICPA\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n 3. Chemical and Physical Technologies\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: Applied DNA Sciences\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n Company: AlpVision\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n 4. Mechanical Technologies\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: TydenBrooks\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n Company: 3M\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n 5. Technologies for Digital Media\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: Digimarc\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n Company: Verimatrix\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n 6. Shared Ledger Technologies\n <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n
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\n Company: Chronicled\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n
\n <\/picture>\n <\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n