Printed Chip-less Smart Labels

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a novel, covert, chip-less smart label technology for protecting branded items. The technology works by encoding a spectral fingerprint into an inexpensively printed metal layer by controlling the pattern of the metal. Operating in the terahertz frequency range, hidden information can be revealed using a simple reading device.

Features and Benefits

Specific features and benefits of this authentication/ brand protection system are listed below:

• Extremely low cost - produced by commercial printing technologies, allowing individual product labelling
• Covert - invisible to the naked eye, no negative impact on aesthetic product appeal
• Data is encrypted - cannot be fraudulently altered
• Non line of sight - can be read through surface layer(s)
• Repeatable design - no database registration overhead
• Small form factor reader - ease of implementation
• Easily integrated - minimal modification of existing product label printing process

Applications

High volume authentication and brand protection at the item level for both high value and low value products. A cost effective option for high volume markets such as consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals and retail apparel.

Commercial Opportunity

Optimat Ltd, a strategic management consultancy, are assisting the University explore options for successful commercial exploitation of this novel printed chip-less technology. We would like to engage in detailed discussions to develop routes and strategies to market.

Contact

For more information on this technology, please contact Joginder Fagura on +44 (0)121 260 6165 or email joginder.fagura@optimat.co.uk