Anti Counterfeiting Technologies

A unique serial number is assigned to each product and encoded into a QR code. When the code is scanned, the authentication platform verifies whether the serial number exists, is valid, and behaves as expected.

Additional checks may include scan history, location, frequency, and supply chain data to help identify suspicious activity.

Counterfeiters typically copy genuine QR codes from authentic products and reproduce them on counterfeit items. Since the copied code often contains a valid serial number, the first scans may appear legitimate.

Detection therefore relies on backend systems identifying anomalies such as duplicate scans, unexpected locations, or unusual scan volumes. Without these controls, a copied QR code can be difficult to distinguish from a genuine one.

Serialized QR codes are best suited for brands looking for a low-cost solution that provides item-level identification, consumer engagement, and basic product authentication. They are particularly effective when combined with strong backend analytics, but may not provide sufficient protection against sophisticated counterfeiters on their own.

Each code contains security elements that can be verified by a dedicated authentication system. When scanned, the platform checks both the unique identifier and the integrity of the code structure.

Depending on the technology, verification may involve encrypted data, proprietary algorithms, or hidden security features that are not visible to the user.

Counterfeiters typically attempt to copy genuine codes, reverse engineer the encoding logic, or generate valid-looking codes that mimic the original format. While proprietary security features increase the difficulty of these attacks, the protection can be weakened if the underlying technology becomes known or compromised.

Secure or proprietary codes are best suited for brands seeking stronger protection than standard serialized QR codes while maintaining a low-cost, smartphone-friendly authentication experience. They are often used when higher security is required without introducing specialized hardware such as NFC tags.

A CDP consists of a highly detailed pattern that can be accurately reproduced only during the original printing process. When the pattern is copied, scanned, or reprinted, subtle distortions occur.

These distortions can be detected by an authentication system, which analyzes the captured image and determines whether the pattern is likely to be original or copied.

Counterfeiters typically attempt to scan and reprint genuine patterns. While the copying process introduces distortions that can often be detected, advances in printing technology continue to reduce the gap between original and reproduced patterns. Sophisticated counterfeiters may therefore be able to create copies that challenge the detection capabilities of some CDP implementations.

Copy Detection Patterns are best suited for products requiring stronger protection than standard QR codes while maintaining low implementation costs. They can help identify copied labels but may require controlled printing processes and reliable image capture for consistent authentication performance.

During production, a unique fingerprint is captured and linked to the product’s digital identity. When the product is later authenticated, the fingerprint is scanned and compared against the original reference.

Because the fingerprint originates from physical randomness, every item can be uniquely identified and authenticated individually.

Counterfeiters may attempt to copy the visible appearance of the security feature. However, reproducing the exact microscopic fingerprint is significantly more difficult than copying a printed code or holographic effect. As a result, a counterfeit may look similar to the original while failing authentication when its fingerprint is verified.

Physical Fingerprint Authentication is best suited for brands requiring high-security, item-level authentication without relying on electronic components. It is particularly effective for products exposed to sophisticated counterfeiting and where proving the authenticity of each individual item is critical.

When a smartphone scans the NFC chip, the authentication platform sends a cryptographic challenge. The chip generates a secure response using secret keys stored within the hardware, which is then verified by the backend system.

Because the secret keys never leave the chip, copying the chip’s identifier alone is not sufficient to create a working clone.

Counterfeiters may attempt to copy the data stored on a genuine NFC chip or replace the original chip with another one. However, unlike standard NFC implementations, Crypto NFC chips use cryptographic secrets that cannot simply be duplicated. To successfully counterfeit the solution, an attacker would need to compromise the chip’s cryptographic security, which is significantly more difficult and often economically impractical.

Crypto NFC is best suited for high-value products requiring strong anti-cloning protection, digital product experiences, and supply chain traceability. It is particularly effective when security requirements justify the additional cost of an electronic component.