Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a digital and legally binding fingerprint that prevents goods — like cosmetics, toys, sports equipment, car parts, electronics, medicines, bags, watches and sunglasses, for instance — from being counterfeited.

To prevent counterfeiting, the team developed O−KEY technology, which is a type of digital fingerprint that makes it impossible to counterfeit any physical products.

The mark can be embedded in a tiny area in a QR code, which can then be scanned with a standard smartphone and serves as legally recognized proof of authenticity. Source: University of Copenhagen

"Imagine throwing a handful of sand onto a glass plate. The grains of sand will land in a random pattern that is impossible to copy. We use exactly the same principle when we produce our artificial fingerprints," the researchers explained.

According to its developers, the fingerprint consists of a mark that measures 1 millimeter square, which is sprayed onto the product itself or its packaging via transparent ink. This invisible ink features assorted microparticles that create a random pattern that reportedly cannot be replicated.

The invisible mark is embedded in a tiny piece of the product or the product's packaging. It is scannable with a standard smartphone and functions as legally recognized proof of authenticity that protects products, enforces contracts and documents authenticity.

An article detailing the technology, “An optical authentication system based on imaging of excitation-selected lanthanide luminescence,” appears in the journal Science Advances.