Linoprotect ensures secure labeling of packaging and products

Linoprint, a project by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, is developing an anti-piracy system that can be flexibly integrated in packaging lines and provides reliable protection against counterfeiting.

Experts estimate that brand and product piracy results in global losses each year of around USD 600 billion. Linoprint has developed Linoprotect to safeguard against counterfeiters. The technology 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 easily check the authenticity of the labeled products using a cell phone camera, PDA or scanner. The combination of the two modules on the product, neither of which can be reproduced, is said to ensure absolute protection against copying of either the product itself or its packaging by counterfeiters. Initial customer solutions will be available from the start of 2009.

Linoprotect works using 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 labeled. The Linoprint team works closely with the customer to develop the optimum solution. Linoprotect is particularly interesting for companies operating in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile and beverage industries.

roduct manufacturers can utilize Linoprotect to protect their brand names against misuse by defining in advance how many articles a packaging company may label using the Linoprotect technology. The quota setting is also performed cryptographically and can be redefined quickly and easily each day. A further benefit of Linoprotect, claims the company, is that it 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 labeled with Linoprotect using just a cell 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 immediately 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 labeled with Linoprotect can be checked as often as necessary.

The Linoprotect 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 centers 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 also be used to transfer, for example, web links to a manufacturer's website or product page to the customer's cell phone. This gives brand goods manufacturers additional options for addressing customers – particularly bearing in mind that more and more people are now accessing the internet through their cell phone while they are traveling.