The World Customs Organization estimates that brand knockoffs trade at $512 billion annually; that's 7% of world trade, and other estimates go as high as 10%. The list is wide-ranging: athletic shoes, apparel, musical instruments, wine & spirits, sports equipment, memorabilia, toys, cosmetics, luxury goods including designer clothing, watches, and purses, to name just a few.

TruTag™ microtags can provide a layer of security that is robust, inconspicuous, and difficult to counterfeit. The micro-sized tags can be incorporated into the product in a variety of ways depending on its composition and manufacturing process. Authentication can be performed in the field via an easy-to-use optical reader. The TruTag™ system can be designed to be either self-authenticating or can reference additional product information in a secure online database, with the level of security scaled to need.

TruTag™ microtags can also play an essential role in a layered security scheme that includes both a code on the packaging and a code stored in the tag that are combined to form a digital signature. A security violation would result if someone tampers with either the container or its contents. Tag attachment methods can be developed to suit the particular product and packaging requirements and are adaptable to a wide range of product materials, form factors, and manufacturing methods.