Image formation with merging of image data and a specific pattern based on acknowledgement data of pattern usage approval

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes: a first storage unit for storing a specific pattern together with an identification mark; an acknowledgment data generating unit for generating acknowledgment data per a notice of usage approval of the specific pattern; a second storage unit for storing the acknowledgment data together with the identification mark; and a merging unit for merging and printing image data and the specific pattern upon receiving the image data together with identification information corresponding to the acknowledgment data.