SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED ANTI-COUNTERFEITING USING A QR CODE WITH EMBEDDED NFT

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application introduces a system for enhancing anti-counterfeiting measures in luxury goods by integrating QR codes with embedded NFTs. Each item is marked with a unique indicium, combining the scannability of a QR code with the non-replicable nature of an NFT, stored securely on a blockchain. This indicium can be attached to the product via tags or directly onto the item's surface. The system facilitates verification of authenticity and updates ownership records during sales transactions, ensuring the integrity of luxury goods in the market.

Technical Field

The invention pertains to product authentication systems using unique QR codes embedded within NFTs to create an indicium. This indicium can be affixed to items through various methods such as hang tags or direct printing. By leveraging blockchain technology, the system provides a reliable method for storing and retrieving product provenance, enhancing trust in the authenticity of luxury products.

Background

Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to high-value brands like Rolex and Louis Vuitton, undermining their market value. Traditional methods like holograms and visual quality cues have become insufficient as counterfeiters improve their techniques. QR codes offer a potential solution for inventory control, but alone they are vulnerable to spoofing. The integration of NFTs with QR codes addresses these shortcomings by ensuring any duplication triggers detection on the blockchain.

Implementation Details

The process involves minting an NFT and generating a unique QR code using AI techniques, which are then combined to form the indicium. This service can be managed by either the manufacturer or a third party, similar to how GS1 manages UPC codes. Unlike traditional UPCs that are identical across products, each indicium is unique to its item, providing detailed provenance and authenticity information specific to that item.

Usage and Benefits

The indicia system allows for straightforward verification of product authenticity during sales. Each item’s unique NFT/QR code combination is recorded on the blockchain, accessible via scanning by potential buyers or sellers. This facilitates secure transactions and transparency in ownership history. The application also describes processes for creating these indicia using digital artists or AI, ensuring scalability and consistency across luxury goods.