JDSU battles counterfeiters with security innovation

The Charms technology comprises printable micro-structured 'taggants', two to three times the size of a red blood cell, which can be customised with logos or graphics before being added to printing inks for packaging or labels.

The California-based company is targeting the technology, which is invisible to the naked eye, at the electronics and FMCG markets.

It conducted a year-long trial on more than 100 million electronic products before the launch, which has led to interest from big brands.

However, JDSU declined to reveal the identities of companies using the technology, saying it "honours customers' requests not to be identified in a continued effort to keep counterfeiters in the dark on their anti-counterfeiting efforts".

JDSU is able to produce high-resolution images on micro-flakes, which when added to the ink, do not affect the visual aspect of the graphic design.

"With authentication using Charms, all that is required in the field are your eyes and a low-cost, portable microscope," said Kees-Jan Delst, product line manager for JDSU's Flex Products group.

Minimal training is needed to confirm product authentication. The ink can be added "just-in-case" and verified only when required.

JDSU security pigments are currently used with more than 90 different currencies and on a range of products, including pharmaceuticals.