100th Unit The First 100 single-pass DTO systems are shipped. Six lessons from the first 100 — and what they mean for the next 100. Read the lessons →
Perspectives

Secure Inkjet Printing to Combat Product Counterfeiting, Piracy, and Diversion

5–8% of world trade is counterfeit. 5–7% of medicines are fake. PhotoSecure SmartDye + DNA Matrix taggants ride on the variable-data print.

Counterfeiting represents a significant global problem: 5–8% of world trade involves counterfeit products, while the pharmaceutical sector faces particular risk with 5–7% of the world’s medicines being fake.

Why digital printing is part of the problem AND solution

Modern digital printing technology, while beneficial for legitimate business, has simultaneously made counterfeiting easier. With over 200 million inkjet printers installed globally, distinguishing authentic products from fakes has become increasingly difficult.

The taggant approach

The proposed solution integrates advanced security features — specifically PhotoSecure SmartDye® and DNA Matrix™ taggants — into variable-data printing processes. This approach offers high security through extraction and matching of DNA sequence code that provides authentication verification.

Why it works for brand protection

Key advantages of this anti-counterfeiting method include cost-effectiveness, applicability to various surfaces, and multi-level encryption. The technology enables companies to track distribution on an ongoing basis and helps preserve brand integrity while recovering lost revenues from counterfeiting and gray-market diversion.