WO2025041042A1 - System for preventing the counterfeiting of products - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is developed in the field of technology. In particular, the present invention relates to a system that prevents the counterfeiting of different products, specifically drugs, cosmetics, food, beverages, textiles, technology products, luxury items, etc. In general, the system of the present invention is based on Blockchain technology, which allows different states of a product to be determined in real time, so as to allow efficient and continuous control against potential counterfeiting. In general, the product counterfeiting prevention system of the present invention is carried out based on the reading of a QR (Quick Response) code that is hidden on the label of the product by a number of mechanisms, so as to be visible only to the consumer, thus enabling access to the metadata of same over the network, and thereby allowing different states of the product to be determined. Therefore, the system of the present invention is presented as a novel and inventive alternative to confirm in a simple and efficient manner and in real time the potential counterfeiting of products by manufacturers and users.

Description

SYSTEM TO PREVENT COUNTERFEITING OF PRODUCTS

The present invention is developed in the field of technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system for preventing product counterfeiting in a dynamic and efficient manner.

STATE OF THE ART

The manufacturing industry worldwide is responsible for the production of thousands of products for daily use, including medicines, beverages, food, cosmetics, textiles, footwear, technology, home, entertainment, industries, automobiles, among others. According to DANE figures, this industry in Colombia has had considerable growth in recent years at approximately 10.7%, while sales have shown a growth of 10.1% (Source: Manufacturing Sector Statistics as of December 2022 issued by the National Administrative Department of Statistics - DANE). Of these industries, the automotive and beverage industries are the ones that generate the greatest impact on their growth. Thus, the product manufacturing industry drives the country's development by contributing significantly to its GDP. However, these figures are only the result of the analysis of the formal sectors, given that, in Colombia as in several countries around the world, the manufacturing sector is drastically affected by marketing in informal sectors that lead to the falsification or adulteration of its products. Indeed, the counterfeiting of manufactured products is also increasing significantly in informal markets, with no alternatives in sight that would allow this situation to be controlled or at least mitigated.

For example, in the area of medicines, it is well known that their falsification and adulteration are increasing more and more to uncontrollable levels, which represents a public health problem for governments, since it leads to an increase in criminal situations, costs in inspection and control, an increase in illnesses and deaths, among others. For this reason, the World Health Organization has alerted governments about the disproportionate increase in counterfeit and adulterated medicines based on multiple reports from different countries around the world. Faced with this scenario, international authorities promote campaigns and guidelines to mitigate and prevent the problem. Despite the above, the problem persists.

In this way, many manufacturing industries have to face the spectre of counterfeiting and adulteration of their products. Although manufacturing companies have legal mechanisms to protect their products, it is clear that the counterfeiting and adulteration of products escapes this type of legal protection. The existence of large informal markets accounts for the profitability of counterfeit products due to their high demand, and the gaps in legal mechanisms to contain this problem. However, industries such as medicines, food and beverages face great challenges in the urgent search for efficient solutions that allow to end this scourge; their greatest challenge is to prevent counterfeiting and adulteration, which involves the alteration of the original medicine, food or beverage in its content, quality, production methods and expiration dates to turn it into a “copy” or adulterated product that also contains altered substances that do not correspond or were not considered by its original manufacturer and can cause serious risks to the health of the consumer.

In fact, the potential risk of counterfeiting and adulteration of medicines is the danger that it represents for consumers due to poisoning or death, given that these products are intended for human consumption. Counterfeiting leads to the alteration of the original molecule with substances of inferior quality or the use of expired medicines, which would clearly expose the consumer to toxic or harmful substances that can cause poisoning, sequelae or death. It is for this reason that medicines require strict control and regulation, given that they are products highly susceptible to adulteration and falsification; this This situation also implies large economic losses for the industry and the growing development of a criminal culture.

However, to counteract this unstoppable scenario of counterfeiting and adulteration of manufactured products, various alternatives and technological developments are known in the state of the art. For example, there are known forms of anti-counterfeiting labelling or marking that are not efficient, since criminal organisations always find mechanisms to adulterate these labels. Counterfeiters take advantage of the culture of throwing away containers with complete labels that allow them to counterfeit products without much difficulty.

Industries also consider mechanisms that focus on the production process and traceability in the production chain, which have not been effective in reducing high rates of adulteration. Among these alternatives, the most common are printing holograms, security seals, and bar codes on the external label of the product. Of these, the most commonly used are caps with security seals so that they are completely inviolable, thus preventing access to the content by counterfeiters and adulterators. However, these solutions have not been effective either and the phenomenon of adulteration continues to grow constantly.

On the other hand, product counterfeiting and adulteration also involves consumers or users, who play an important role in the validation and falsification process of products. However, the proposed alternatives also do not consider the consumer in the articulation of efficient solutions against product counterfeiting. Consequently, the proposed solutions focus their efforts on the external portion of the products, and control by manufacturers, without taking into account the consumer. Consequently, it is clear that there is still an urgent need in the state of the art for a novel alternative to effectively and safely prevent the counterfeiting of various manufactured products purchased by a user, particularly in the drug, beverage, food, cosmetic, and technology industries, among others, in such a way that it is possible to prevent situations of counterfeiting, adulteration, alteration, or illegal distribution of said products.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

The following is a description of the characteristic figure of the invention, which is merely illustrative of the object of the present invention to prevent the falsification of a product such as a medicine, but does not constitute limitations of the same to other products:

Figure 1 corresponds to a general schematic diagram that illustrates the system as in the present invention to prevent the falsification of a drug type product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system of the present invention constitutes a novel and inventive alternative to efficiently prevent the falsification and adulteration of products by manufacturers and users, since it is based on the efficient and simple application of blockchain technology to validate relevant product information in real time.

More importantly, the system of the present invention makes it possible to actively involve the consumer or user of the products, since its components allow the consumer to perform interactive actions with the manufacturers or authorities, and in this way assist in the process of falsification and validation of the products. The system of the present invention is very versatile because it allows preventing the counterfeiting of various manufactured products, including: medicines, food, cosmetics, beverages, technology, luxury items, jewelry, automobiles, and in general, all products that are susceptible to counterfeiting or adulteration.

Thus, the present invention constitutes a novel alternative to overcome the technical failures existing in the solutions available in the state of the art, since it makes it possible to carry out the digital traceability of manufactured products by manufacturers and consumers and thus efficiently prevent counterfeiting.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The following correspond to preferred embodiments or forms of carrying out the system of the present invention:

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a first object corresponding to a system for preventing product counterfeiting, characterized in that it consists of the following components: (i) a QR code arranged in a hidden manner on the label or tag of the product to be authenticated, and which is only visible in a first state of opening of said product; (ii) an optical device for reading the QR code (i) that allows validating the product in an open state; (iii) a Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) element to verify the status of the product; (iv) a blockchain-type digital platform containing product information to create and store certificates of origin of said products; (v) an application server that allows linking the blockchain-type digital platform (iv) with the optical verification element (ii) associated with the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA), which in turn is linked to the QR code (i) to form a QR - DPA digital element; (vi) an authorization element that includes a database of (blank) QR codes provided by the digital platform to the product manufacturer for the exclusive and hidden printing of the unique QR codes; (vii) a forgery element created by the application server (v) to host a smart contract that grants the product manufacturer, to link the product information to the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA), and this in turn with the QR.

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) that is linked to the QR code allows defining two states of the product in an updated and real-time manner by reading the QR code, where the first state has a single reading: "product safe to consume", and the second state has a single reading: "previously opened product" that can be read repeatedly; and where the attributes and timestamp of its opening recorded in the blockchain are displayed.

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) that is linked to the QR code allows for the updated definition of a third status that has a single reading: "expired product", even if the readings of the first and second status are not performed.

In a more preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the blockchain type platform (iv) allows validating product attributes, such as: status of the product container (closed, open or expired), time stamp of its opening, product identity, anti-smuggling stamp, product attributes, expiration date, among others.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the application server (v) includes a database or Integrated Distributed Storage System (IPFS) to store all the information and metainformation associated with the QR code.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the scanning of the QR code by the user is carried out using a mobile or cellular device.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) is a unique cryptoasset in its aspect that composes the metadata (not cryptocurrency).

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the blockchain-type platform allows to validate attributes of the authenticated product, such as: manufacturing date, opening date, opening time, product expiration, product reference, health registration, safety certificates, technical standards, product data sheet, legality stamp by region, batch, time stamp, product identity or anti-smuggling stamp, ADP - Product link stamp.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention is characterized in that the product corresponds to medicines, beverages, cosmetics, foods, textiles, jewelry, technology, automobiles.

Thus, the above embodiments generally describe the preferred forms for carrying out the objects of the present invention. However, a person skilled in the art will fully understand that modifications to these embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the above embodiments and the illustrative figure, the system of the present invention can be carried out by any person skilled in the art, without major difficulty, in the manner set forth below.

The present invention is developed through a series of specific steps that allow the traceability of products to prevent their falsification. In this way, the system can be carried out as follows:

First, a unique QR code (i) must be hidden in each product to be authenticated by a user; this QR code can be hidden in the product through various mechanisms including: on labels, adhesive labels, scratch-off labels, security seals, holograms, among others.

Subsequently, a digital element called Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) must be associated with this hidden QR code, in such a way that a QR - DPA digital element is formed. This QR - DPA digital element (QR code associated with the DPA Digital Product Asset) of the stage must be linked to a blockchain-type digital platform through an application server element (v) that validates and updates the information coming from the reading of the QR - DPA digital element.

The user then proceeds to scan the QR code (i) placed on the product using an optical device (i), once the QR code is discovered on the product. When the user performs the first and only reading of the QR - ADP digital element, a reading order is generated to the Blockchain-type digital platform, in such a way that the information on the current status of the product will be transmitted, and a “safe to consume” announcement will be displayed. This allows validating the information updated in real time to the Blockchain-type digital platform, and in this way authenticating the origin of the product. However, in another phase of the system of the present invention, a second state of the same can be generated as “previously opened”, when a user tries to repeatedly read the product that has already been opened. The smart contract of the blockchain platform is configured again when the information of the first reading and the first state have already been validated. In this way, the information of the smart contract is pre-arranged to generate a second state of “previously opened product”.

Finally, the system of the present invention allows the possibility of generating a third state of the product when it has reached the expiration date, that is, when the product is expired. In this third state, the smart contracts of the blockchain platform configure their information to determine that the product has reached said expiration state.

In this sense, there are two possible situations: in the first situation, the system displays the reading of “expired product”, without having performed a reading by the user’s optical device. During this first situation, it is not necessary to perform the steps of the first or second state to achieve the third state of the product. The blockchain platform simply displays this third state because the product per se reaches this attribute of expiration for consumption, without being purchased by the user. In a second situation, the product achieves this attribute of expired for consumption, but reaches the hands of the user, who performs the first reading, and finds the alerts of “previously opened product” and “expired product”.

In particular, the system for preventing counterfeiting through digital product traceability of the present invention makes it possible for any manufacturing company to implement a hidden QR code on the surface or inside of a product through various labeling or covering mechanisms, so that the user is the first to see said hidden QR code. For example, products may include any type of anti-smuggling labels or seals to hide this QR code, including, but not limited to, adhesive labels, over labels, scratch-off labels, holograms, security seals, among others. In this way, the user who accesses the product for the first time is instructed to discover the QR code by removing the element that hides said code.

Once the user accesses the QR code, it must be scanned using an optical device such as a cell phone or mobile phone, in such a way that they access the complete information of the product, which includes, but is not limited to: manufacturing date, opening date, opening time, product expiration, product reference, health registration, safety certificates, technical standards, product technical sheet, legality stamp by region, batch, time stamp, product identity, anti-smuggling stamp, ADP - Product link stamp, among others.

Now, the mechanism through which the system of the present invention is executed consists of the scanning or first reading by the user of the QR code, which is linked to a Digital Product Asset ADP, which may correspond to an NFT (Non Fungible Token). The link between the QR code and the Digital Product Asset ADP form a QR - ADP digital element, which is supported by a blockchain platform. In this way, the QR - ADP digital element is a means of verifying product information and guarantees transparency and reliability with support on the platform.

In this way, the system of the present invention makes it possible for both manufacturers and users to verify the authenticity of the product through the blockchain platform that validates, through smart contracts, the information related to the authenticity and traceability of said product, in such a way that the consumer has immediate and secure access to all the information of the product, such as: manufacturing date, opening date, opening time, product expiration, product reference, health registration, safety certificates, technical standards, product data sheet, legality stamp by region, batch, time stamp, product identity, anti-smuggling stamp, ADP - Product link stamp, among others. In fact, the system of the present invention may include additional applications that enable the consumer to immediately activate a complaint mechanism before the competent entity in the event of detecting the falsification of the product upon first reading of the QR code.

Now, based on the illustration in Figure 1, it is possible to follow the way in which the system of the present invention is developed. In particular, it should be noted that this system is developed in two ways: the first, by the manufacturer to implement the system; and the second, by the user when he acquires the product and carries out the operation of the system of the present invention.

Thus, as illustrated in Figure 1, the information is managed and stored by the Digital Asset Manager to be included in the QR code that will be read by users, once it has been linked to the ADP. This information is arranged in a URL of the Digital Asset Manager. Once the specific QR code is designed for each product with its relevant attributes, it is printed in a hidden manner on the various labels that the packaging of the specific product carries.

Subsequently, the manufacturing industry is responsible for including the unique QR code in each packaged product, which is associated with an ADP product digital asset and the information is sent to smart contracts supported by a blockchain-type digital platform; the sending of information to and from smart contracts makes it possible to manage and control the information contained in the QR code. In the next phase, which involves the user of the product, the first reading of the QR code by the consumer is made effective when purchasing the product in an establishment, through the optical device, and in this way An order is generated to the blockchain platform that sends the information to the smart contract. In this way, the status of the Dynamic Digital Asset of the Product (ADP) associated with the QR code of the product is updated, which generates this transaction from the smart contract present on the blockchain platform, and the status of the ADP that displays the certificate to the user from “closed product” to “open product” is modified. In this way, at the moment that the user activates the reading of the QR code of the product for the first time, he or she is assured of the originality of said product. In the same way, at the moment that the user is part of the validation system of the originality of the product, he or she also contributes to its control and traceability. In this sense, the system can include digital applications that allow the user to report to the authorities or to the manufacturers themselves that the product read is not original when detecting a “previously opened product” message.

Following Figure 1, the system of the present invention can eventually generate a second state of the same as “previously opened”, when a user repeatedly tries to read the product that has already been opened. In this sense, the smart contract of the blockchain platform is configured again with a “NOK” order to the Digital Asset Manager, when the information of the first reading and the first state have already been validated. In this way, the information of the smart contract is configured to generate a second state of “previously opened product” when the consumer reads the QR code associated with the ADP of the product. In this situation, the consumer, in an interactive manner, turns on the alerts for manufacturers and the authorities.

Now, Figure 1 illustrates how the system of the present invention allows the possibility of generating a third state of the product when it has reached the consumption deadline, that is, when the product is expired. Indeed, to reach this third state, the information contained in the smart contracts of the blockchain platform, with respect to this specific attribute, is configured particularly to indicate that the product has reached said expiration state, even if the first and second readings are not effective.

Thus, the system of the present invention enables the consumer, the producing companies and the authorities to be alerted about the pre-opening of the products and the possible falsification. The system of the present invention makes it possible for consumers to only consume authentic and safe products, with a guarantee of origin through dynamic falsification by themselves. This guarantee is highly desirable in the case of specific products such as medicines, cosmetics, food or drinks. Indeed, the falsification and traceability of this type of products for human consumption is critical and sensitive, since it involves the care of the user's health. In this sense, a consumer of this type of products who has an optical device can verify the authenticity of the product by simply reading the QR quick response code hidden in the product packaging. A reading of a previously opened product facilitates its traceability and control in the reuse and/or repackaging market, thereby preventing adulteration of the content. In this way, the data from reading the QR code of the product turns it into a digital asset capable of transmitting information about the origin, distribution, consumption and, once the product is opened, this packaging becomes useless and can be repackaged and reused.

Any person versed in the field of technology will understand without much difficulty that various modifications or variations are possible on the system disclosed herein, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments and variations set forth in the present invention are merely illustrative and should not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention, which is determined by the content of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system to prevent product counterfeiting, characterized in that it consists of the following components: (i) a QR code hidden on the label or tag of the product to be authenticated, and which is only visible in a first state of opening of said product; (ii) an optical device for reading the QR code (i) that allows the product to be validated in the open state; (iii) a Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) element to verify the status of the product; (iv) a blockchain-type digital platform containing product information to create and store certificates of origin for said products; (v) an application server that allows the Blockchain-type digital platform (iv) to be linked to the optical verification element (ii) associated with the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA), which in turn is linked to the QR code (i); (vi) an authorization element that includes a database of QR codes (blank) provided by the digital platform to the product manufacturer for the exclusive and hidden printing of the unique QR codes; (vii) a counterfeit element created by the application server (v) to host a smart contract that grants the product manufacturer, to link the product information to the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA), and this in turn with the QR. 2. A system as in claim 1, characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) that is linked to the QR code allows for updated validation of the status of the product, where the first status has a single reading: “product safe to consume”, and the second status has a single reading: “previously opened product”, which can be read repeatedly; and where the attributes and timestamp of its opening recorded in the blockchain are displayed. 3. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) that is linked to the QR code allows for the updated definition of a third status that has a single reading: “expired product”, even if the readings of the first and second status are not performed. 4. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the blockchain-type digital platform validates and updates the information of the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) associated with the QR-type code through a smart contract, once said QR code has been read. 5. A system like that of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the blockchain-type platform allows validating product attributes, such as: status of the product container (closed, open and/or expired), time stamp of its opening, product attributes, expiration date, among others. 6. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the application server includes a database or Distributed Storage System (IPFS) to store all the information and meta-information associated with the QR code. 7. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the Dynamic Digital Product Asset (DPA) is a unique cryptoasset in its aspect that makes up the metadata (not cryptocurrency). 8. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the blockchain-type platform allows to validate attributes of the authenticated product, such as: manufacturing date, opening date, opening time, product expiration, product reference, health registration, safety certificates, technical standards, product data sheet, legality stamp. by region, batch, time stamp, product identity, anti-smuggling stamp, ADP - Product link stamp, among others. 9. A system as claimed in claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the product corresponds to medicines, beverages, foods, cosmetics, textiles, jewelry, technology, automobiles.