As a counterfeiter, I have the possibility to manufacturer a copy-cat product, replicate the contents of the QR code and successfully return to the authorized seller. If the product makes its way to the shelf in its current state, the next genuine consumer would not be able to detect the copy-cat product in the location of the authorized seller. Could you kindly elaborate on whether location-based authentication can identify the copy-cat in this scenario? Would you propose using NTAG 424 DNA tags in this situation to prevent counterfeiting?
@Rakesh yes, that is absolutely right QR codes are simple to copy and we would recommend NTAG 424 DNA NFC tags as the most robust and unclonable method for anti-counterfeit measures. The only consideration is cost of the tags versus the margin on the product being considered. It is ideal for high cost or products with a higher profit margin where the tag cost is negligible. Serialized QR codes are much cheaper but easier to clone. QR codes however can still be used to offer some level protection against purchasing counterfeits. One way is to put them inside the packaging and make them one time authentication QR codes by adding a maximum scan limit to the rules. In this case, if the same QR code (effectively URL encoded within the QR code) is scanned more than once or X number of times, then it can throw the user a message saying there is something suspect with this specific serial item. The other option is using the maximum scan limit with the scan location. If the same item is scanned with different IP addresses from different scan locations far apart, then it can be flagged as counterfeit. In case of providing the user location of the final retail, only the manufacturer would know which batch or serial items (grouped) would be headed to which authorised retailer and digitally update that information so the consumer can compare. If the counterfeiter were to copy a single QR code and create say 100 copied items, those would most likely end up in different locations outside the brand authorised retailer. Each of these conditions offers some level of protection however, in comparison the NTAG 424 DNA NFC tags offer completely foolproof and unclonable authentication technology.
As a counterfeiter, I have the possibility to manufacturer a copy-cat product, replicate the contents of the QR code and successfully return to the authorized seller. If the product makes its way to the shelf in its current state, the next genuine consumer would not be able to detect the copy-cat product in the location of the authorized seller. Could you kindly elaborate on whether location-based authentication can identify the copy-cat in this scenario? Would you propose using NTAG 424 DNA tags in this situation to prevent counterfeiting?
@Rakesh yes, that is absolutely right QR codes are simple to copy and we would recommend NTAG 424 DNA NFC tags as the most robust and unclonable method for anti-counterfeit measures. The only consideration is cost of the tags versus the margin on the product being considered. It is ideal for high cost or products with a higher profit margin where the tag cost is negligible. Serialized QR codes are much cheaper but easier to clone. QR codes however can still be used to offer some level protection against purchasing counterfeits. One way is to put them inside the packaging and make them one time authentication QR codes by adding a maximum scan limit to the rules. In this case, if the same QR code (effectively URL encoded within the QR code) is scanned more than once or X number of times, then it can throw the user a message saying there is something suspect with this specific serial item. The other option is using the maximum scan limit with the scan location. If the same item is scanned with different IP addresses from different scan locations far apart, then it can be flagged as counterfeit. In case of providing the user location of the final retail, only the manufacturer would know which batch or serial items (grouped) would be headed to which authorised retailer and digitally update that information so the consumer can compare. If the counterfeiter were to copy a single QR code and create say 100 copied items, those would most likely end up in different locations outside the brand authorised retailer. Each of these conditions offers some level of protection however, in comparison the NTAG 424 DNA NFC tags offer completely foolproof and unclonable authentication technology.