Anti-counterfeiting label and method for its production

Abstract

An anti-counterfeiting component (1) to be applied to a determined product, said component being comprised in a determined shape and peripheral edges and comprising: - a base support layer (2) and, proceeding in layers, starting from said base support layer (2): - a barcode (4), printed on said base support layer (2) and containing determined information content relating to a determined product; - a mechanically scratchable coating (10) or removable film, comprising graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights, obtained by means of a printing programme, said graphics of said removable film or coating (10) being printed over an area larger than or at least equal to that covered by said barcode (4); wherein there are provided - a plurality of half-cuts (12), configured to be across, even partially, the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the product, a removal of the component from the product without tearing; and wherein - said barcode (4) is a polychromatic QR code (4b), comprising colours and shades and obtained through chromatic processing of a native QR code (4a) containing said determined information content, said colours and shades being randomly associated with said determined information content. It further comprises a tag (15) which, when it is not to be read, has applied to it an element (17) for temporarily deactivating it.

Description

[0001] Patent for the industrial invention entitled:

[0002] “Anti-counterfeiting label and method for its production"

[0003] ★★★★★★★★★★★★★

[0004] DESCRIPTION

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The present invention relates, in general, to an anti-counterfeiting label or component, configured so as to prevent any illicit use thereof.

[0007] In particular, the present invention relates to a label to be applied to products of various types to provide a firm control of their origin and quality. The present invention relates also to a magnetic card which bears the label or anti-counterfeiting component.

[0008] Prior art

[0009] Anti-counterfeiting devices are known in the art, such as labels to be applied to products of various types, in order to ensure their origin and / or quality.

[0010] Also known are methods for generating anti-counterfeiting devices with a high degree of security.

[0011] For example, it’s a method for generating security codes to be printed is known from patent publication WO2015 / 117 212, for example, in the form of two-dimensional barcodes or QR codes (Quick Response codes) on physical carriers.

[0012] The known method provides the generation of cryptographic QR codes by means of a public infrastructure, so as to ensure, in the writing phase and, successively, in the reading phase, a high certainty of validity and security.

[0013] The known method, although it seems very efficient, is particularly complex in that it anticipates the use of a plurality of computing devices for encryption and decryption to ensure the security of the QR codes printed on the physical carriers.

[0014] A problem of this prior art is that the security in managing the generation method and the respective generated QR codes is based only on their being intrinsically impossible to be counterfeited, at the expense however of their simpler generation and use.

[0015] In general, the Applicant has observed that the prior art is not capable of effectively solving the problem of providing methods of generation and use of QR codes which are simpler overall, while ensuring a high degree of validity and security.The Applicant has addressed this gap with Italian patent no. 102015000085802, which relates to an anti-counterfeiting component to be applied to a determined product. Said component comprises: a base support layer and, proceeding in layers, starting from said base support layer: a barcode, printed on said base support layer and containing determined information content relating to a determined product; a mechanically removable film or scratchable coating, comprising graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights, obtained by means of a printing programme, said graphics of said removable film or coating being printed over an area larger than, or at least equal to, that covered by said barcode. Said component further comprises a plurality of half-cuts, configured to be across, even partially, the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the product, a removal of the component from the product without tearing. Said barcode is a polychromatic QR code, comprising colours and shades and obtained through chromatic processing of a native QR code, containing said determined information content, said colours and shades being randomly associated with said determined information content. This system, although very efficient, does not however provide for tracking the path of an object in storage, and for having information before the purchase (for example, adherence to the European Digital Product Passport, or DPP), nor does it allow the prevention of reading by proximity reading devices (for example, to prevent unauthorised credit card withdrawals), when close to a POS reader or similar device.

[0016] EP 3 185182 describes an anti-counterfeiting component comprising a support layer, a polychromatic QR code, printed on the support layer, a mechanically removable coating, comprising graphics with geometric shapes, these graphics being printed over an area larger than or equal to that of the polychromatic QR code.

[0017] Also present are semi-cuts which are across, at least partially, the edges of the component to prevent the component from being removed without destroying it. US 2007 / 0 090 197 describes an optically readable information carrier, with an information-related symbol and an optically readable mark which occupies, at least partly, the predetermined area. A mask is above the information-related symbol and, at least partly, the optically readable mark, while the information-related symbol remains externally readable.

[0018] US 2021 / 0012685 describes a security label against tampering, which it keeps traces of, having variable, random and unrepeatable information generated by an algorithmwhich encrypts the information. The label is linked to a software application to read the variable information on the label, once a cover of the label is removed; the reading is used to determine the legality of the product.

[0019] CN 101 615 258 relates to a partially covered two-dimensional code anticounterfeiting label. The anti-counterfeiting label comprises a bottom layer and a removable covering layer. The bottom layer comprises an optically readable two-dimensional code, while the covering layer partially covers it, hiding part of the code, such that it cannot be read without removing the covering.

[0020] EP 3 065 091 relates to a label for the verification of authenticity of a product, comprising a first layer and a second layer, anchored to the first layer. Wirelessly interrogable means, equipped with memory, are fixed to said first layer. The second layer includes a removable portion, configured so as to show irreversibly, in use, that it has been removed. On said removable portion, means are provided which are suitable for preventing the interrogation of said wirelessly interrogable means.

[0021] On said wirelessly interrogable means, at least a first verification code, for verification of the first reading of the label, and at least a validation code, for verification of authenticity of the label, are provided. On said first layer, a graphics element is present, which is covered by the removable portion and is not readable as such by an optical recognition device, the graphics element being generated by an algorithm based on said at least a validation code.

[0022] IT 102016000009551 describes a label comprising a QR code. The QR code is coupled to at least a further authenticity element, the pre-arrangement of which in the label and / or conformation is variable as a function of a predetermined algorithm.

[0023] Description of the invention

[0024] The aim of the present invention is to solve the abovementioned problems of the prior art. In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a label which, in addition to the advantages attained by that according to IT 102015000085802, achieves the aim of providing data which provides for tracing the path of an object in storage and for having information on a product before purchase. Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is to prohibit those, who do not have the right, from accessing that information.

[0025] According to a first aspect, the aim is achieved by an anti-counterfeiting component to be applied to a determined object, said component being comprised ina determined shape and peripheral edges and comprising:

[0026] - a base support layer and, proceeding in layers, starting from said base support layer: - a barcode, present as a print on said base support layer and containing determined information content relating to a determined product;

[0027] - a mechanically scratchable removable film or coating, comprising graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights, said graphics of said removable film or coating being present over an area larger than, or at least equal to, that covered by said barcode;

[0028] wherein there are provided

[0029] - a plurality of half-cuts, configured to be across, even partially, the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the object, a removal of the component from the object without tearing; and wherein

[0030] - said barcode is a polychromatic QR code, comprising colours and shades and it is the same native QR code containing said determined information content, after having been subjected to chromatic processing, said colours and shades being randomly associated with said determined information content,

[0031] characterised in that it further comprises a tag which, when it is not to be read, has applied to it an element for temporarily deactivating it.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing and managing an anti-counterfeiting component with a determined shape and peripheral edges, said method comprising the following steps:

[0033] - a given company generating a native QR code containing determined information content regarding a determined product, said native QR code being obtained by means of a first computer programme based on said determined information content, - generating, by means of a second computer programme, a polychromatic QR code, randomly associating colours and shades with the information content of said native QR code,

[0034] - storing the polychromatic QR code in a database in which there are also stored the randomly generated associations between colours and shades on the one hand and information content on the other,

[0035] - printing said polychromatic QR code as stored on a base support layer,

[0036] - generating, by means of a printing programme, graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights,- printing a mechanically scratchable coating or removable film comprising said graphics over an area at least equal to or larger than that covered by said polychromatic QR code,

[0037] - applying a plurality of half-cuts at least over the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the product, a removal of the component from the product without tearing,

[0038] - applying a tag to the support layer, in a different position than that of the QR code, - applying a metal foil over the tag.

[0039] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a magnetic card for access to functions, characterised in that it comprises a label according to the first aspect. According to one embodiment, said tag (15) is a device chosen from NFC, RFID or Bluetooth.

[0040] According to one embodiment, said anti-counterfeiting component further comprises, near said polychromatic QR code and not covered by said coating, a one-dimensional barcode, containing information suitable for allowing verification as to whether or not the native QR code and the polychromatic QR code are authorised for use.

[0041] According to one embodiment, said support material is adhesive paper. Alternatively, said support is a support made of environmentally-friendly, compostable or recyclable material. Preferably, said support is made of a material selected from textile, PVC, non-woven fabric, wood, polypropylene, metal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, said coating is a coloured coating.

[0043] According to one embodiment, said temporary deactivation element is a metal foil. Preferably, said metal foil is a tin or aluminium foil.

[0044] According to one embodiment, said tag is applied to the support using a hot-melt adhesive. Preferably, the tag is embeded in a hot-melt adhesive, so as to break and deactivate if an attempt is made to remove it.

[0045] Based on a preferred embodiment, the metal foil is made to adhere to the surface of the tag using a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises the following further steps:

[0047] - a user removing the removable film or coating (10) from the component applied to a product so as to make the polychromatic QR code visible,

[0048] - scanning or photographing at least the polychromatic QR code (4b) and transmitting the polychromatic QR code using an electronic device,- the company checking the received polychromatic QR code against the QR code stored in the company database, by means of a verification computer programme, - certifying or not certifying the originality of the product based on the comparison between the received QR code and the stored QR code,

[0049] - removing the metal foil from the tag,

[0050] - accessing the tag and reading the information and data therefrom.

[0051] The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided here with regard to the invention.

[0052] Brief description of the drawings

[0053] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of example and in a non-limiting manner, with the aid of the appended drawings, in which elements indicated with the same or similar numerical reference indicate elements which have the same or similar functionality and construction and in which:

[0054] Figure 1 represents an example method for producing an anti-counterfeiting component in accordance with the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 represents an anti-counterfeiting component produced in accordance with the present invention as visible when applied to a product;

[0056] Figure 3 represents the component of Figure 2, a polychromatic QR code, reproduced on the component, being highlighted; and

[0057] Figure 4 schematically represents the label according to the present invention in greater detail.

[0058] Description of a preferred embodiment

[0059] With reference to Figure 1 , an example is provided of a method for generating one or more anti-counterfeiting components or labels 1 for objects and products of various types, for example, products of companies purchasing the supply of labels produced in accordance with the present invention or magnetic cards or similar.

[0060] The labels 1 can have any geometric shape, for example square, rectangular, circular, helical, etc., so as to be able to be applied to the most varied objects and those of the most varied shapes, and provision is made for them to be transported on a support 2. The support 2 can be made of adhesive paper, making application easy. Alternatively, and advantageously, it can be a support made of environmentally-friendly,compostable or recyclable material, for example a textile, PVC, non-woven fabric, wood, polypropylene, metal. Among the metals, aluminium, stainless steel and tin are cited.

[0061] In the drawings referred to in the present example embodiment, reference is made, for simplicity of the description, to labels of square shape with edges having rounded corners, but this shape is not a shape required to produce the labels 1 according to the invention, but rather only one example of a possible implementation.

[0062] Hereinafter, reference is made to a preferred method for producing labels 1 according to the invention.

[0063] In a first step 3, QR codes (native QR code) 4a (Figure 1, Figure 3, Figure 4) are generated and stored using a specific programme configured to insert in each native QR code 4a plurality of information of both generic and technical character predefined by the company or client, preferably a manufacturer of goods or products to be sold. This data can be common to several objects.

[0064] This information comprises, for example, information such as sequence numbering, product expiry date, company or manufacturer name, etc.

[0065] In a second step 5, each native QR code 4a is reprocessed in such a way that colours and shades are randomly associated with the information content contained therein, using a random code generation programme of known type.

[0066] In this step, colours and shades are randomly associated and distributed, by means of a computer programme, with various elements of the information content of the native QR codes 4a, and therefore these elements of the information content have completely randomly varied colourings, but suitable for distinguishing one object from another in the same batch.

[0067] The polychromatic QR codes 4b thus generated are stored in a database and prepared to be printed. The set of QR codes 4a and 4b are grouped together in Figure 4 under the reference number 4; in practice, 4 identifies the generic QR code, 4a the monochromatic native QR code and 4b the coloured QR code.

[0068] The polychromatic QR codes 4b represent codes which can be differentiated from one another not only by the information content of the native QR codes 4a, but also by the colours associated with their information content, improving the identification of the product associated with the label on which they are printed.

[0069] In other words, a plurality of polychromatic QR codes 4b can be associated with a single native QR code 4a, so as to have a general set of characteristics with a seriesof subsets having those characteristics in common and being differentiated by colours for other groups of characteristics.

[0070] This means that, in the preferred embodiment, the labels 1 can be identified based on a chromatic recognition of their information content, even for the same information content of the native QR code 4a.

[0071] In a third step 6, with the QR codes with polychromatic elements (coloured or polychromatic QR codes) 4b (Figure 1 , Figure 2) correctly generated and stored, each polychromatic QR code 4b is printed, for example, on printable adhesive paper, and applied to a support 2 of known type.

[0072] In the preferred embodiment, the labels 1 are made of adhesive paper, applied in rolls on low-adhesion support material, of known type.

[0073] Obviously, according to other embodiments, the labels can be made using other materials, including for example wood, PVC, metal, etc. and are applied in rolls on low-adhesion material, of known type, especially if it is desired for them to have a higher level of mechanical strength and / or stiffness.

[0074] Preferably, in the case of paper labels, the printing is carried out using a high-speed full-colour (black, blue, red, yellow) printer, suitable for reproducing multiple combinations of colours and shades of colours in varied positions.

[0075] Preferably, the polychromatic QR codes 4b are printed in that way.

[0076] Naturally, based on other example embodiments, the colour printing can be of other types, provided they are capable of reproducing multiple combinations of colours and of shades of colours in varied positions as a function of the information content of the polychromatic QR codes.

[0077] Based on a variant of the method herein described, provision can also be made for a step 7 in which each native QR code 4a is paired with a respective one-dimensional barcode 8.

[0078] Based on such a variant, provision is made such that each one-dimensional code (barcode) 8 is not coloured and is printed in step 6 in a pairing with and close to each polychromatic QR code 4b. In practice, said component 1 further comprises, printed near said polychromatic QR code 4b and not covered by said removable film or coating 10, a one-dimensional barcode 8 containing information suitable for allowing verification as to whether or not the native QR code 4a and the polychromatic QR code 4b are authorised for use.

[0079] Preferably, the barcodes 8 are provided for verification purposes, for example tocheck that they and the polychromatic QR codes 4b have been printed correctly. The barcodes 8 can also be used for being read by appropriate readers in an industrial process, in such a way that, for example, the activation or authorisation of the associated native QR code 4a and the storage and / or authorisation of the polychromatic QR code 4b in the respective database can occur only if the barcode 8 is managed correctly during the industrial process for producing products of various types to be marketed, so as to avoid illicit inputs and uses.

[0080] For example, if a product is rejected during the manufacturing process, the onedimensional barcode 8 may be used to not authorise the QR codes 4a and 4b, and, for example, to not store them and / or to disable them in the database controlling native barcodes 4a and in the database of polychromatic barcodes 4b, so that the eventual purchaser understands that the product is not the one that it would want and that it could have been tampered with or altered.

[0081] In a fourth step 9, for example, after having rolled up the printed roll, provision is made such that over an area at least equal to or, preferably, a little larger than that covered by the polychromatic QR code 4b, a scratchable coating or removable film 10 is printed (Figure 1 , Figure 2, Figure 3), preferably coloured in several colours and with graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights, obtained by means of a printing programme of known type. The coating 10, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is scratchable or mechanically removable and serves to prevent the polychromatic QR code 4b, beneath the coating 10, from being read.

[0082] Preferably, the coating 10 is printed, without covering the barcode 8, if present, inserting the printed roll on a printing machine, for example of the flexographic type or of the offset printing type, configured to print the scratchable coating 10, for example, in several colours and with graphics composed of various geometric shapes and highlights.

[0083] Preferably, the coating 10 is printed without covering the barcode 8, if present.

[0084] In a fifth step 11 , provision is also made for half-cuts 12 to be made over the area corresponding to that of the labels, for example by means of a metal punch.

[0085] The half-cuts 12 are provided to prevent the label 1 from being removed once it is attached to the product or to the dedicated support and, in the context of the present description, the term "half-cuts" is used to indicate cuts broken up by stretches in which the cuts are not present.Preferably, the half-cuts are made using the same printing machine used to print the scratchable coloured coating on the polychromatic QR codes.

[0086] In the case of the use of labels 1 made of adhesive paper, the half-cuts 12 can be distributed so as to be across the entire surface of the labels or so as to be across only a peripheral surface of the labels since the paper exhibits, in general, characteristics of high fragility. Indeed, the Applicant has observed that, once a paper label is made to adhere to a surface, any half-cut 12, even only on the peripheral surface of the label, prevents the label from being detached without tearing it, so as to prevent it from being tampered with or from being applied to a different product from that for which it was intended.

[0087] In the case of labels made of materials different from paper, such as for example plastic or wood, it is preferable for the half-cuts 12 to be across the entire surface of the labels 1 , as highlighted in Figure 2, with the aim of preventing the label from being peeled off products without being torn up.

[0088] In a step 13, preferably, the labels now complete with graphics and with security mechanics, are rolled up on themselves, forming, for example, a plurality of rolls of variable diameters based on client requirements.

[0089] The rolls, thus produced, are such that they enable easy usage at the client companies, since these rolls can be used by industrial labelling machines, of known type, to apply the labels 1 continuously and fast onto products.

[0090] In a next step 14, a "tag" 15 is inserted in the support 2 in a manner that is known per se. The term "tag" is used to cover any instrument chosen from NFC, RFID, Bluetooth. Preferably, the tag 15 is fixed to the support 2 with an adhesive, more preferably with a hot-melt adhesive, so as to prevent it from detaching randomly and without breaking and deactivating the same tag 15, maintaining its operation.

[0091] After this, the support 2 is subjected to the application, in a step 16, of a temporary deactivation element 17, the function of which is to inhibit the tag 15 from operating while it remains applied. One or more tags 15 can be used on the same label 1 , and they can be the same as or different from each other. Preferably, said temporary deactivation element (17) is a metal foil (17) or compatible ink.

[0092] Based on the present example embodiment, each anti-counterfeiting component or label 1 comprises a plurality of security elements.

[0093] In particular, starting from a visible layer, referred to here as "upper layer", and continuing through the layers, down to a lower layer or base support layer 2, which,preferably, is made of adhesive paper, the label 1 comprises:

[0094] - a plurality of half-cuts 12 (Figure 2) prearranged over a peripheral area of the labels or so as to be across the whole surface of the labels in order to prevent any transfer of an entire label from one product to another product. Indeed, the task of these halfcuts is to prevent the forced removal of the entire label 1 after having made it adhere to a product, since, in the event that a forced removal is attempted, the label rips at several points preventing the possibility of it being reused;

[0095] - a scratchable coating or removable film 10, preferably coloured using UV four-colour printing or coloured using UV metallic colours (gold, silver). The scratchable coating or removable film, for example with this type of colouring, makes it impossible to scan and to encode the polychromatic QR code 4b beneath;

[0096] - a polychromatic QR code 4b containing information suitable for providing a secure certification of each product on behalf of the client company or manufacturer. The polychromatic QR code 4b, preferably, is printed on the lower layer 18, preferably made of adhesive paper 2 and suitable for allowing, in a known way, each label 1 to be fixed to each product to be certified.

[0097] In a position normally close to the QR code 4, there are provided:

[0098] - a tag 15, formed by an NFC, RFID or Bluetooth device, which contains other information, which information cannot be received from the QR code 4, and which relates, for example, to the history of the item for sale. If the tag 15 is broken, it would be impossible to read this information and that would indicate that the item has been tampered with in some way;

[0099] - a foil 17, generally made of aluminium or tin or a compatible ink, suitable for covering the tag 15, achieving its deactivation until it is removed.

[0100] The labels 1 can be, for example, distributed to companies in single sheets or rolls, suitable for being used by industrial labelling machines of known type for the labelling of individual products.

[0101] The label 1 according to the present invention can be applied to a magnetic card, such as a credit or debit card, or a magnetic identity card.

[0102] The method of using (operating) the label 1 as described is as follows.

[0103] A purchaser, who has bought a product on which the label 1 , produced according to the present invention, is applied, in a first step proceeds to remove, for example using a coin, the scratchable coating or compatible film 10 so as to make the polychromatic QR code 4b visible.Next, the purchaser proceeds to scan or photograph the polychromatic QR code 4b, in a known way, and transmit it, for example, to the manufacturer of the purchased product.

[0104] This scanning and transmission step can be executed, preferably, by means of an application provided on a smartphone and supplied, for example, by the same manufacturer or present as an application of standard type on the smartphone for scanning and sending activities, or by means of scanning using the camera of the smartphone.

[0105] The manufacturer, having received the polychromatic QR code 4b, will proceed to verify the authenticity of the received QR code by means of, for example, a chromatic superposition of the code sent by the purchaser with the polychromatic QR code 4b existing in the database of polychromatic QR codes and, possibly, a comparison with the native QR code 4a corresponding to that received.

[0106] The manufacturer will proceed, for example, in the case of positive verification, to supply to the purchaser a confirmation of the recognition of the QR code matched with the product, thus certifying the originality of the product.

[0107] In these verification and certification steps, the manufacturer may also in return supply to the purchaser, for example, other information, such as additional information about the certification or guarantee information in respect of product features.

[0108] Advantageously, the direct and secure interaction between purchaser and client company or producer of the certification service by means of the label 1 as described, provides for achieving in a simple and inexpensive way the certification of products of various types without resorting to particularly complex cryptographic and decryption strategies.

[0109] When the purchaser wishes to obtain further information or subsequently use the product (for example, credit card) securely, he removes the foil 17 from the tag 15, thereby reactivating it. Using the special application, generally from the manufacturer, but also possibly a common commercial application, the purchaser reads the tag 15, obtaining the information and / or functions desired. In summary, there is a production and management method comprising the following steps:

[0110] - a user removing the removable film or coating 10 from the component applied to a product, in order to make the polychromatic QR code visible,

[0111] - scanning or photographing at least the polychromatic QR code 4b and transmitting the polychromatic QR code using an electronic device,- the company checking the received polychromatic QR code against the QR code stored in the company database, by means of a verification computer programme, - certifying or not certifying the originality of the product based on the comparison between the received QR code and the stored QR code,

[0112] - removing the metal foil 17 from the tag 15,

[0113] - accessing the tag 15 and reading the information and data therefrom.

[0114] The present invention is applied particularly well to the case of credit / debit cards. Indeed, the tag 15 can contain all the desired information, useful for achieving the desired payment and / or identification. However, anyone who wishes to steal information or money, using an adapted reader of the tag 15 (for example a ROS), would not succeed in accessing it, since the foil 17 prevents access to the tag 15, effectively deactivating it temporarily. It is revealed that a thin aluminium foil 17, which is easily obtainable, even already commercially available, succeeds in preventing the tag from being read even by a contactless ROS machine, at close range. This significantly increases the security of the credit / debit card and prevents ill-intentioned persons from being able to obtain from a large number of individuals small sums, below the threshold above which a personal identification number is required to execute the transaction.

[0115] With respect to the prior art, the present invention even provides for obtaining, using a fast scanning by mobile phone, information on the product history, such as warehouse tracking, and pre-purchase information (verifying DPP compliance). Furthermore, it provides for ensuring greater credit and / or debit card security, by virtue of the use of the tag 15 and of the foil 17, which can inhibit its operation when not desired by the holder.

[0116] Naturally, obvious modifications and / or variants are possible to the description hereinabove, in the components as well as in the details of the illustrated construction and of the method of operation without departing from the invention as specified in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Anti-counterfeiting component (1) to be applied to a determined object, said component being comprised in a determined shape and peripheral edges and comprising:- a base support layer (2) and, proceeding in layers, starting from said base support layer (2):- a barcode (4), present as a print on said base support layer (2) and containing determined information content relating to a determined product;- a mechanically scratchable coating (10) or removable film, comprising graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights, said graphics of said removable film or coating (10) being present over an area larger than, or at least equal to, that covered by said barcode (4);wherein there are provided- a plurality of half-cuts (12), configured to be across, even partially, the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the object, a removal of the component from the object without tearing; and wherein- said barcode (4) is a polychromatic QR code (4b), comprising colours and shades and it is the same native QR code (4a) containing said determined information content, after having been subjected to chromatic processing, said colours and shades being randomly associated with said determined information content, characterised in that it further comprises a tag (15) which, when it is not to be read, has applied to it an element (17) for temporarily deactivating it.

2. Component according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said tag (15) is a device chosen from NFC, RFID or Bluetooth.

3. Anti-counterfeiting component according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that said component (1) further comprises, near said polychromatic QR code (4b) and covered by said removable film or coating (10), a one-dimensional barcode (8) containing information suitable for allowing verification as to whether or not the native QR code (4a) and the polychromatic QR code (4b) are authorised for use.

4. Anti-counterfeiting component according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said support material (2) is adhesive paper.

5. Anti-counterfeiting component according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said support (2) is a support (2) made of environmentally-friendly, compostable or recyclable material.

6. Anti-counterfeiting component according to Claim 5, characterised in that said support (2) is made of a material selected from textile, PVC, non-woven fabric, wood, polypropylene, metal.

7. Anti-counterfeiting component according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said removable film or coating (10) is a coloured coating.

8. Anti-counterfeiting component according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said temporary deactivation element (17) is a metal foil (17) or a compatible ink.

9. Anti-counterfeiting component according to Claim 8, characterised in that said metal foil (17) is a tin or aluminium foil.

10. Method for producing and managing an anti-counterfeiting component with a determined shape and peripheral edges, said method comprising the following steps: - a given company generating a native QR code (4a) containing determined information content regarding a determined product, said native QR code (4a) being obtained by means of a first computer programme based on said determined information content,- generating, by means of a second computer programme, a polychromatic QR code (4b), randomly associating colours and shades with the information content of said native QR code (4a),- storing the polychromatic QR code (4b) in a database in which there are also stored the randomly generated associations between colours and shades on the one hand and information content on the other,- printing said polychromatic QR code (4b) as stored on a base support layer (2), - generating, by means of a printing programme, graphics composed of geometric shapes and / or varied highlights,- printing a mechanically scratchable coating (10) or removable film comprising said graphics over an area at least equal to or larger than that covered by said polychromatic QR code (4b),- applying a plurality of half-cuts (12) at least over the edges of the component, so as to prevent, in use, after the component has been applied to the product, a removal of the component from the product without tearing,- applying a tag (15) to the support layer (2), in a different position than that of the QR code,- applying a metal foil (17) or compatible ink over the tag (15).

11. Method of production and management according to Claim 10, comprising the further steps of:- a user removing the removable film or coating (10) from the component applied to a product so as to make the polychromatic QR CODE visible,- scanning or photographing at least the polychromatic QR code (4b) and transmitting the polychromatic QR code using an electronic device,- the company checking the received polychromatic QR code against the QR code stored in the company database, by means of a verification computer programme, - certifying or not certifying the originality of the product based on the comparison between the received QR code and the stored QR code,- removing the metal foil (17) from the tag (15),- accessing the tag (17) and reading the information and data therefrom.

12. Magnetic card for access to functions, characterised in that it comprises an anti-counterfeiting component according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

13. Magnetic card according to Claim 12, characterised in that it is a credit or debit card.

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