Security Seal Authentication for Online Product Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for preventing counterfeiting, diversion, and theft of products on online sites, as consumers and brand owners face challenges in authenticating products in real-time, and existing technologies are prone to manipulation by fraudulent actors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize product identifier keys and private authentication keys stored in an addressable database, where a security seal on a webpage encodes these keys, allowing consumers and brand owners to verify product authenticity by matching them with stored values, thereby preventing unauthorized products from being sold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security seals and markings are used on products, then product authentication is provided, but these methods are prone to manipulation by counterfeiters and can be circumvented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security seal as an intermediary component that contains encoded authentication keys. This seal acts as a mediator between the product and the authentication system, providing a secure layer that is difficult to circumvent. The seal encapsulates the authentication mechanism, making it harder for counterfeiters to manipulate compared to direct product markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses encoded representations (digital copies) of authentication keys stored in both the security seal and a database. Instead of relying solely on physical security features, the system creates verifiable copies of authentication data that can be electronically verified, making counterfeiting more difficult.
2Reliability
If brand owners deploy various security approaches such as RFID-based solutions and cryptographic certificates, then supply chain integrity is assured, but these methods are sophisticated and costly, and counterfeiters have become equally sophisticated in circumventing them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication system where a single security seal component serves multiple functions: it contains the authentication key, provides visual verification, and enables both offline and online authentication. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for multiple separate security systems (RFID, cryptographic certificates, etc.), simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of information
If consumers are provided with detailed product information and reviews on online sites, then purchasing decisions are supported, but these reviews are subjective and cannot verify product authenticity
Solution Approach 1:
The security seal acts as an intermediary verification mechanism that bridges the gap between product information and authenticity verification. While reviews and descriptions provide information, the security seal provides objective authentication, mediating between the consumer's need for information and the need for verified authenticity.
4Ease of operation
If credit card companies hold liability for undelivered products, then consumer protection is provided, but consumers have limited options when products are delivered but turn out to be fake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary authentication of products before purchase and delivery. Consumers can verify the security seal and authentication keys before completing transactions, preventing the problem of receiving counterfeit products. This preliminary verification action eliminates the need for post-delivery remedies that are currently limited.
Data Source
AI summary
Unauthorized products are prevented from being sold on online websites. Product identifier keys and private authentication keys are stored in a database of an authentication server. Each identifier key serves as an address for its corresponding authentication key in the database. A product and a security seal are displayed on a webpage served by a website. An identifier key and an authentication key for the displayed product are encoded into the security seal. In response to selecting the security seal, the website extracts the encoded identifier key and authentication keys, and sends them to the database. The authentication server determines whether the displayed product is genuine and authorized when a match is made between the extracted keys and the stored keys.