Taggant

Any of various substances, such as molecules, dyes, inks, and microscopic pieces of multi-layered colored plastic, added to a product to indicate its source of manufacture

The True Product ID Authentication Management System is an integrated management system based on the three distinct elemental taggant information technologies, in which specific elements are formulated to tag target objects for such purposes as identification, authentication and information management.

Without changing the original production process or adding any facilities, the product’s manufacturer needs only to apply the taggant as directed to the product itself or on its packaging material. This taggant will act as an information point to be recognized by a micro-intelligent analysis system that authenticates the product information. The analysis and management of the taggant information through the data management system effectively and economically protects the products against counterfeiting and duplication.

Synthetic DNA (S-DNA)
S-DNA is an elemental formulation of rare earth elements. These elements are combined in specific percentages that form unique signatures. Individual signatures are assigned to individual clients and brands within clients. Once assigned, that particular signature will never be released to another client. Hence the term S-DNA.

TPID’s marking process involves the application of a combination of inorganic elements. These elements penetrate the surface of an object and a molecular bond is formed. The method of application can vary depending on the item to be tagged. Coded elements can be placed on an object using a colorless carrier rendering them invisible to the human eye, or can include a fluorescent element so that they glow under UV light. The specific ratios of elements that comprise the synthetic DNA create a unique identity code for a given client, or a specific product, division, or product run within the client’s area of concern. The number of potential mix ratios or identity codes is in the billions.

Depending on the surface structure, a high percentage of the chemical penetrates and bonds with the item’s molecular structure. Once the synthetic DNA (S-DNA) has entered the item, its removal, whether by chemical solvent or abrasion, is extremely difficult. Total removal of the S-DNA that has penetrated the item is extremely difficult. TPID has tested and proven our capability to introduce a synthetic DNA into products during the manufacturing process. This enables us to invisibly attach a “fingerprint” to the product via synthetic DNA, which can be applied to industrial parts, apparel, consumer electronics, jewelry, CD-ROMs, sporting goods, as well as currency.

Infra-Red or Ultra-Violet Light Sensitive Tag
Another TPID tagging technology involves designing a molecule that responds to Infra-Red or Ultra-Violet light.  This tag is also highly specialized and similar to S-DNA in that it is extremely difficult to replicate. The process to develop this element of the tag is the same as the S-DNA process.

Particle Pattern Verification
The last TPID tagging technology implements a technology known as particle pattern recognition and verification. Each product is printed with a two-dimensional data matrix that contains information about a random particle pattern located somewhere on the package as well.  The scanner then reads the data matrix and the particle pattern and submits this information to KMAC or another central database. That data can contain information related to the product/location and can determine whether or not the product is fake or real.  KMAC can then verify that serial number for “appropriateness.”  For example, if the same product serial number passes through a scan point more than once, one of them MUST be a counterfeit.