A secured multi-layered authentication label

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secured multi-layered authentication label (100), wherein a semi-concealing layer (Ls) disposed over a metallized tamper evident holographic layer (L1) intended to be removed, thereby facilitating a first level and a second level of authentication, a printed layer (L2) positioned beneath the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (L1) and having a first surface (L2a) and a second surface (L2b) and each surface is embedded with a set of information via a plurality of inks, thereby enabling a third level and a fourth level of authentication, a substrate layer (L3) positioned under the second surface of the printed layer (L2) and having a primary surface (L3a) and a secondary surface (L3b) coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering, a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication.

Description

[0001] “A SECURED MULTI-LAYERED AUTHENTICATION LABEL”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of product labels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a secured multi-layered authentication label produced from special secured materials and having a plurality of security features and various authentications using specific inks and the labels are customizable according to different application requirements.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Label stock is a special material used for making labels, typically adhesive-backed paper or film. The label stock comes in various types including paper, polyester, polypropylene, vinyl, and many more, each offering different properties suited for various applications. The label stocks are made using special machines and special papers and further, they incorporate multiple layers, which contain various type of information and used during the authentication. Label stock are one of the important component in the supply goods chain as they help to secure the originality of the goods and also play a role in the anticounterfeit measures.

[0006] Label stock primarily refers to the special type of rolls or sheets of adhesive labels which are specifically utilised for the purpose of printing specific information with regard to the specific goods or the products on which the label will be applied. Further, with the advancement of the technology and to overcome various problems like counterfeit, fraud etc. a new and improved label stock provides the solution to the above problems. The new and improved label stock include a primary label and on that primary label, different layers are printed on top of one another on that specific label and it is termed as layer on layer. The layer on layer thus refers to a assembling or stacking of multiple layers on top of each other. In the context of label stocks which are printed using special printers, it is described as the process of applying multiple layers of labels on the same surface, either intentionally or unintentionally. Thereby improving the authenticity, trust and genuineness of the goods / products. Since more complex is the label and there are lesser chances of the creating it’s counterfeit. Labels have an application in various industries as they play an important role in ensuring the originality of the goods. Labels contains details including the product information, brand identity, manufacturing and expiry dates and other product related information. Certain labels are tamper evident, enabling the user to identify that an attempt of counterfeiting has been made as the act of counterfeiting causes the label to tamper in a way making it obvious that the product is not original. However, few of the labels are not tamper evident thereby making the identification of the genuineness and originality of the goods / products difficult to the end consumer.

[0007] US20200211032A1 discloses tamperproof, counterfeiting resistant product labels equipped with enhanced levels of security against tampering and counterfeiting. The security label includes a base layer, an adhesive layer applied atop the base layer, and a face stock positioned above the adhesive layer, such that the face stock forms the upper or frontal surface of the base layer; the security element placed on the face stock forms the scan able portion of the face stock and, by extension, the scan able portion of the security label. The scanning device interacts with the database to confirm and then it determines that the product ID scanned from the product package is equivalent to a product ID stored in the database, then the security scanning device confirms the authenticity of the product, otherwise it will show that there is a mismatch between the scanned product ID and the signature representative of the scanned product label thus implying the tampering of security label and the possible counterfeiting of corresponding product. However, this invention has certain drawbacks that include limited scalability, inadequate features for security measures, complex structure, high cost to manufacture, and scratch resistant security protection, not support multiple authentication and verification.

[0008] EP2340532 Bl discloses a security label for product authentication, including a single- or multiply transparent substrate coated with a transparent layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive, a printing area applied directly onto said adhesive layer, the layer being applied to the product to be authenticated. The invention further discloses that in-case of any attempt to remove the label by a manual, mechanical, thermal or chemical means, it will lead to the irreversible destruction of the printing area by the cohesive failure of the adhesive layer. This destruction will reveal the tampering of the security label. However, this invention has certain drawbacks that include limited scalability, inadequate features for security measures, high cost to manufacture, complex structure, and scratch resistant security protection, not support multiple authentication and verification.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need of providing a highly secure and cost effective label and a label stock whereby the highly specialized and highly secured security features are integrated in the label that provides an added layer of security to the products in order to protect them from the counterfeiting and other problems which may occur till the products reach the authorized person.

[0010] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The main object of the present invention is to provide a secured multi-layered authentication label incorporating various security verification features and can be utilized for multiple applications.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label for authentication of a product.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label with security features incorporating specific type of the quick response codes, bar codes, hidden images and using highly secure specific inks for coating the special secured material.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label having a special tamper evident layer that masks the coating material of the special secured material and information sets are customizable as the application based requirements.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label with layer by layer and side by side authentication feature.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label with five layers of security for ensuring proper authentication of the product.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide higher number of security layers that facilitates in achieving highly secured authentication process.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a secured label that is biodegradable. Still another object of the present invention is to provide secured and hidden information sets enabling the concealing of the information sets in normal light or in strong light including UV light.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention relates to a secured label with multiple security features. The labels are produced from a substrate utilizing adhesive, liner materials with a plurality of specialized inks intended for different applications and electro-printing as per the requirement of consumer.

[0021] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a secured multi-layered authentication label. The secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a semi-concealing layer disposed over a metallized tamper evident holographic layer intended to be removed, for exposing a holographic coating of the metallized tamper evident holographic layer, thereby facilitating a first level and a second level of authentication. Further, the secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a printed layer positioned beneath the metallized tamper evident holographic layer and having a first surface and a second surface and each surface is embedded with a set of information via a plurality of inks, thereby enabling a third level and a fourth level of authentication. Further, the secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a substrate layer positioned under the second surface of the printed layer and having a primary surface and a secondary surface coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering, a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication.

[0022] The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth brief description of the invention herewith.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] An understanding of a secured multi-layered authenticated label may be obtained by reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 depicts side view of the secured multi-layered authentication label illustrating the different layers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 depicts the side view of the secured multi-layered authentication label pursuant to scratching off the concealing layer, according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 depicts the side view of the secured multi-layered authentication label pursuant to peeling off the holographic layer, according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4(a), Figure 4(b) and Figure 4(c) depicts top views of each layer of the secured multi-layered authentication label according to exemplary embodiments of the label, according to the present invention.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the preferred embodiment of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0031] The present invention relates to a secured label with multiple security features. The labels are produced from a substrate utilizing adhesive, liner materials with a plurality of specialized inks intended for different applications and electro-printing as per the requirement of consumer. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a secured multi-layered authentication label. The secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a semi-concealing layer disposed over a metallized tamper evident holographic layer intended to be removed, for exposing a holographic coating of the metallized tamper evident holographic layer, thereby facilitating a first level and a second level of authentication. Further, the secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a printed layer positioned beneath the metallized tamper evident holographic layer and having a first surface and a second surface and each surface is embedded with a set of information via a plurality of inks, thereby enabling a third level and a fourth level of authentication. Further, the secured multi-layered authentication label comprises a substrate layer positioned under the second surface of the printed layer and having a primary surface and a secondary surface coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering, a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, a side view of the label is depicted illustrating the different layers of the label. The label (100) comprises a semi-concealing layer (Ls), a metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI), a printed layer (L2) and a substrate layer (L3).

[0033] The semi-concealing layer (Ls) is disposed over the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) that is intended to be removed, for exposing a holographic coating of the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI), thereby facilitating a first level and a second level of authentication. Moreover, the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is intended to be removed by a user.

[0034] In an implementation, the semi-concealing layer (Ls) is composed of a scratch resistant material that partially obscures the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) until the semi-concealing layer (Ls) is scratched off. In another implementation, the semiconcealing layer (Ls) have an information such as code, artistic work or serial number and alike which is scratched off completely at once or in parts by multiple users at multiple stages.

[0035] Further, in an implementation, as depicted Figure 1, the semi-concealing layer (Ls) is completely disposed over the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) and in another implementation, Figure 2, the semi-concealing layer (Ls) is partially disposed over in the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI), in other words the semiconcealing layer (Ls) is applied in multiple sections as shown as Figure 2.

[0036] In an implementation, the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) is embedded with a data and a set of information include quick response codes (QR codes), bar codes, special security features, and brand name, to provide multiple levels of verification and security. In an implementation, as depicted in Figure 1, the data and set of information is printed on the (LI a) and (Lib) portions. Also, the data and set of information is visible in an ultra violet (UV) light range. The UV light range is in three bands, i.e. 100-400 nm, 315-400 nm, 280-315 nm, and 100-280 nm.

[0037] In an implementation, the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is disposed under the semi-concealing layer (Ls) via an adhesive. The metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) leaves an indelible holographic residue upon tampering, thereby providing a visual cue for tampering. In an implementation, the adhesive used in the present invention is non-toxic, ecofriendly adhesive, which is safe for use in applications while maintaining string bonding properties without compromising environmental sustainability.

[0038] Further, the printed layer (L2) is positioned beneath the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) and have a first surface (L2a) and a second surface (L2b). Also, each surface is embedded with a set of information via a plurality of inks, thereby enabling a third level and a fourth level of authentication. In an implementation, the set of information is only embedded on only one surface from the first surface (L2a) and the second surface (L2b).

[0039] In an implementation, the plurality of inks include thermo-chromic ink, UV fluorescent ink, bi-chromic ink, and a color ink. The set of information that is printed on printed layer (L2) include a set of security codes, micro text patterns, artistic pattern.

[0040] Furthermore, the substrate layer (L3) is positioned under the second surface (L2b) of the printed layer (L2) and have a primary surface (L3a) and a secondary surface (L3b) that are coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering (as depicted in Figure 3), a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication. In an implementation, the secondary surface of the substrate layer (L3) is coated with an adhesive for placing the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) on the target product. In an implementation, the adhesive used in the present invention is non-toxic, ecofriendly adhesive, which is safe for use in applications while maintaining string bonding properties without compromising environmental sustainability. In an implementation, the substrate layer (L3) is a printing material layer that include polyester, paper, board, plastic, vinyl.

[0041] In an implementation, the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) have a special tamper evident layer that masks the coating material of the special secured material and the plurality of information sets are customizable as the application based requirements.

[0042] Further, the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) is prepared via an assembly. The assembly comprises a plurality of ink and chemical coating stations which are spaced from each other. Further the assembly comprises a metal coating station, an electroprinting mechanism and a release lining station. The plurality of ink and chemical coating stations comprises of a material tray, a plurality of rollers and a drying chamber. The ink and chemical coating station is used for coating the substrate with a plurality of specialized inks and a release coating chemical and drying the substrate. The plurality of rollers include but are not limited to material lifting roller, ink transfer roller, electro-printing mechanism, a mounting roller and an impression roller. The metal coating station is also having a plurality of rollers, and an unwind and wind shaft carrying a metalized sheet roll for giving a registered tamper evident metalized holographic effect on the substrate. A release lining station having a plurality of unwinding shafts carrying a release paper roll and a coated substrate roll, an adhesive header, an electro-printing layer and at least two sandwich rollers for lining the release paper with adhesive and sandwiching the adhesive coated release paper with the substrate forming a label stock and a rewind shaft for collecting the smart and secure label stock.

[0043] In the ink and chemical coating station, the material lifting roller (conveyer sheet) is used to lift the ink from the material tray and transfers the lifted ink to the corresponding ink transfer roller. The ink transfer roller transfers the ink to the pattern on the corresponding die / printing plate mounting roller and the printed pattern is printed or coated on the rear side of the substrate by using the impression roller. After coating with specialized inks, the substrate is passed to the drying chamber where the substrate is dried properly. The substrate after passing through a plurality of ink and chemical coating stations gets winded to the rewind shaft.

[0044] The rewind shaft gets unwound into the metal coating station having a plurality of rollers and an unwind and wind shaft carrying a metalized sheet roll for giving a registered tamper metalized holographic effect on the substrate. The substrate is passed through the plurality of rollers to transfer an adhesive on the substrate in a pattern. A metalized sheet roll from an unwind shaft then comes into contact with the substrate applied with the adhesive. The metal fumes from the metalized sheet roll then stick to the substrate and thereafter the metalized substrate is dried and cured in the drying chamber.

[0045] The metal fumes give the substrate a registered tamper evident metalized holographic effect and hence the metalized substrate is wound back to a rewind shaft. On the other hand, the used up metalized sheet roll is wound on the corresponding rewind shaft. The rewind shaft with metalized substrate gets unwound into the release lining station where it is sandwiched with an adhesive coated release paper through chilled sandwich rollers and finally forms the smart and secure label stock.

[0046] The ink transfer roller transfers the ink to the pattern on the corresponding die / printing plate mounting roller and the printed pattern is printed or coated on the face top side of the smart and secure label stock by using the impression roller and the release coat chemical is applied followed by sandwiching the printed and coated face top side of the smart and secured label stock with a holographic layer through application of an adhesive. The other side of the holographic layer is printed with a specific printed pattern and the plurality of information sets, as per the requirement of the user and is coated with a concealing layer to from the secure label.

[0047] EXAMPLE 1

[0048] Preferred Implementation of the secured multi-layered authentication label

[0049] The present invention provides a secured multi-layered authentication label (100) comprising the semi-concealing layer (Ls) that is made up of scratch-resistant material that partially or fully obscures the underlying metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI). Further a customer is permitted to scratch the semi-concealing layer (Ls) to reveal the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) for the first level of authentication. Thereafter, the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is positioned beneath the semi-concealing layer (Ls) via the non-toxic adhesive and upon tampering, the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) leaves an indelible holographic residue on the surface as a visual tamper indicator.

[0050] Thereafter, the printed layer (L2) is embedded with secured information using multiple inks such as thermo-chromic ink that changes color with temperature variations, UV fluorescent ink that reveals hidden patterns when exposed to the UV light, Bi-chromic ink that shifts between two colors depending on the viewing angle as depicted in Figure 4(a). Also, micro-text patterns and security codes are printed for third and fourth levels of authentication.

[0051] The present invention provide five authentication levels i.e. level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5. Further level 1 is scratch-off verification, in which the customer removes the semi-concealing layer (Ls) to reveal the holographic pattern of the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI).

[0052] Thereafter, level 2 is a tamper evidence verification, in which the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is tampered with, an indelible holographic residue remains. Further, level 3 is a security feature verification, in which the security features are visible in respective UV light ranges.

[0053] Furthermore, in level 4, the micro-text paterns are verified which are printed using multiple inks. Lastly, level 5 is holographic transfer in which include tamper induced transfer of the holographic coating onto the product as depicted in Figure 4(c).

[0054] Further, a top view of the secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) having the semiconcealing layer (Ls) is depicted in Figure 4(a) along with a quick response (QR) code. Thereafter, in Figure 4(b), the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is depicted and the secondary surface (L3b) which are coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering (is depicted in Figure 4(b)), a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication.

[0055] The dimension of each layer in the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) vary depending on specific requirements and application needs. Further, factors such as size of the target product, security specification and manufacturing constraints influence the thickness and coverage area of each layer. For instance, larger products require bigger label (100) dimensions, while high security applications might necessitate thicker layer for enhanced durability and additional tamper evident features. Therefore, the dimensions are customizable for ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration with various products and packaging types.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention provides a secured label for authentication of a product with security features incorporating specific type of the quick response codes, bar codes, hidden images and using highly secure specific inks for coating the special secured material, having a special tamper evident layer that masks the coating material of the special secured material and information sets are customizable as the application based requirements. Further, the secured label have five layers of security for ensuring proper authentication of the product and is biodegradable in nature.

[0057] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0058] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principle of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A secured multi-layered authentication label (100), wherein: a semi-concealing layer (Ls) disposed over a metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) intended to be removed, for exposing a holographic coating of the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI), thereby facilitating a first level and a second level of authentication; a printed layer (L2) positioned beneath the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) and having a first surface (L2a) and a second surface (L2b) and each surface is embedded with a set of information via a plurality of inks, thereby enabling a third level and a fourth level of authentication; and a substrate layer (L3) positioned under the second surface of the printed layer (L2) and having a primary surface (L3a) and a secondary surface (L3b) coated with a holographic transfer film and upon tampering, a holographic coating on holographic transfer film is transferred on a target product, thereby providing a fifth level of authentication.

2. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said semi-concealing layer (Ls) is composed of a scratch resistant material that partially obscures the metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) until the semi-concealing layer (Ls) is scratched off.

3. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is intended to be removed by a user.

4. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said secured multi-layered authentication label (100) is embedded with a data and a set of information include quick response codes (QR codes), bar codes, special security features, brand name.

5. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said data and set of information is visible in an ultra violet (UV) light range.

6. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said substrate layer (L3) is a printing material layer that include polyester, paper, board, plastic, vinyl.

7. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said plurality of inks include thermo-chromic ink, UV fluorescent ink, bi-chromic ink, and a color ink.

8. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said set of information that is printed on said printed layer (L2) include a set of security codes, micro text patterns, artistic pattern.

9. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) is disposed under the semiconcealing layer (Ls) via a non-toxic adhesive.

10. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said metallized tamper evident holographic layer (LI) leaves an indelible holographic residue upon tampering, thereby providing a visual cue for tampering.

11. The secured multi-layered authentication label ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said secondary surface of the substrate layer (L3) is coated with an adhesive for placing the secured multi-layered authentication label (100) on the target product.

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