AUTHENTICATING A PRODUCT

摘要

This invention generally relates to a composition, an apparatus, and a method for authenticating a product. In particular, the invention relates to an ink composition for marking a product with a continuous inkjet printer. The composition includes a visible ink and a UV, visible, and/or IR marker. Marking includes depositing the ink composition on the product with the continuous inkjet printer. A marked product is authenticated with a hand-held apparatus that activates the marker in the mark with UV radiation. Activation of the marker in the mark changes the absorbance/reflectance of visible radiation by the mark without changing the visual appearance of the mark. Authenticity of the product is assessed by a change in absorbance or reflectance of visible radiation by the mark after activation of the mark.