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Psychology at Work

Counterfeit Detection Using Serialised QR Codes

Counterfeit detection is a critical aspect of brand protection programs aimed at ensuring product authenticity and preventing the circulation of fake goods. One of the methods employed by brands and governments is the use of serialised QR codes. These QR codes serve as unique identifiers for products, allowing consumers, retailers, and distributors to verify the authenticity of products through scanning.

Serialised QR codes have been used by brands and governments to let consumers, retailers and distributors verify the authenticity of the products and help with detecting counterfeit products, as part of a brand protection program. However, the security level of a regular QR code is limited since QR codes printed on original products are easily reproduced on fake products, even though the analysis of data generated as a result of QR code scanning can be used to detect counterfeiting and illicit activity.

Standard Serialised QR Codes

Advantages:

1.Unique Identification: Each product is tagged with a unique QR code that can be scanned to verify its authenticity.

2.Traceability: The data generated from scanning QR codes can track the movement of products through the supply chain.

3.Consumer Trust: Consumers can scan QR codes to confirm product authenticity, enhancing trust in the brand.

Challenges:

1.Reproducibility: QR codes on original products can be easily copied and printed on counterfeit products.

2.Limited Security: Standard QR codes do not inherently provide high security against replication, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting.

Enhancing Security with Digital Watermarks and Copy Detection Patterns

To overcome the limitations of standard QR codes, higher security measures can be implemented. This involves embedding additional security features into the QR code, such as digital watermarks or copy detection patterns.

Digital Watermarks:

Definition: A digital watermark is an embedded pattern within the QR code that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected using special software or applications.

Function: Adds an additional layer of security by ensuring that the QR code cannot be easily copied or reproduced without the watermark.

Detection: Requires a dedicated app that can read and verify the presence of the digital watermark, thereby confirming the authenticity of the product.

Copy Detection Patterns:

Definition: A pattern or texture integrated into the QR code image that is designed to be difficult to replicate accurately.

Function: Makes it challenging for counterfeiters to duplicate the QR code without degrading the pattern, thus helping to distinguish between genuine and fake codes.

Verification: Scanning the QR code with an app capable of detecting the copy detection pattern can identify counterfeit products.

Digital Apostilles

Context:

Apostilles are official documents that authenticate the origin of public documents, such as birth certificates and court orders. Traditionally, these documents bear a physical seal or stamp.

Digital Apostille:

Format: A digital apostille is a PDF document with a cryptographic signature.

QR Code Integration: The digital apostille contains a QR code that links to a canonical URL of the original document.

Verification: Users can verify the authenticity of the apostille by scanning the QR code, even from a printed version of the document.

Security: The cryptographic signature ensures the integrity and authenticity of the document, preventing tampering and forgery.

Conclusion

The use of serialised QR codes for counterfeit detection represents a significant advancement in brand protection. While standard QR codes offer basic functionality and traceability, they are susceptible to replication and counterfeiting. Enhancing these codes with digital watermarks and copy detection patterns significantly improves security, making it more challenging for counterfeiters to produce fake products. Furthermore, the adoption of digital apostilles with QR codes and cryptographic signatures modernizes the authentication of official documents, ensuring their integrity in both digital and printed forms.