Systems and methods for ensuring asset and supply chain integrity

Abstract

A system that tracks and records the chain-of-custody of an asset within a supply chain that creates an undeniable electronic log of each custody transfer at each point of transfer, from initial creation to final transfer or disposal. In one embodiment, the system uses cryptography to register assets to be transferred and whose chain of custody is to be ensured. Create electronic documents in an encrypted transaction log that is updated every time a point of custody changes by using cryptographic key pairs and blockchain cryptography. At each such change of custody point, the new supervisor who receives the product is provided with the information generated by the originator. By way of example, since the system tracks all inputs and outputs to the system at each change of point of custody, any change in product quantities is immediately identified, and chain of custody integrity issues are identified.

Description

[0001] priority claim [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 203,653, filed August 11, 2015, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), which is hereby claimed and the contents of which are adopted This reference in its entirety is incorporated herein, as are all statements. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of asset and supply chain management, and more particularly to systems, methods and processes for ensuring the chain-of-custody integrity of physical products as these products flow along their respective supply chains. This chain of custody integrity system can be implemented and enhanced using various aspects of blockchain cryptography. As a general example, the present invention teaches a system for tracking and recording the chain of custody of an asset within a supply chain at each point of transfer from initial creation, manufacture or registration through to final tran...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Any delay in establishing a product's effectiveness could lead to counterfeit products entering the market and, in the case of pharmaceuticals, pose a significant public health risk

[0009] 2. If authentic and legitimate products are clandestinely diverted into a manufacturer's facility or supply chain, this diversion may take weeks or months to uncover inappropriate theft and sale of gray market products

[0010] 3. Likewise, if authentic and legitimate serialized packaging is secretly diverted from a manufacturer's facility or packaging supply chain, this diversion may take weeks or months to uncover stolen or diverted packaging or product

Additionally, the contents of these diversion packages may not be legal or authentic, which in turn may pose a public health risk in the case of pharmaceuticals

[0011] 4. Where products are serialized but not centrally registered, a counterfeiter may use his or her own serial number to create counterfeit packaging that looks authentic

Even if the serial number is confirmed by the manufacturer, there is still the issue of duplicate serial numbers as described in point 1 above

[0012] 5. If the product or packaging is not serialized, there is little way to verify the authenticity of the product or packaging other than possible destructive testing

More specifically, the '442 patent discloses the authentication of products based on "captured identification information at each point" along the supply chain, but does not use or imply the use of any blockchain software as part of the authentication process

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