November 2005 - Machine Readable Security Tags

Ecebs have been awarded a new contract by ITI Techmedia to undertake research into various aspects of machine-readable security tags.

Independent figures on the current value of the market for counterfeit goods estimate it to have reached USD 700 billion worldwide, and with this number only expected to grow, brand owners are actively seeking ways to defend their products. ITI Techmedia is developing an innovative, market–leading machine-readable security tagging solution which will be used in the fight for global brand protection. The tags can be attached to goods – anything from CDs, DVDs and designer clothing to replacement parts for aircraft and cars.

The ITI Techmedia programme, launched publicly in April 2005, aims to develop a technology platform for the encoding, writing and detection of machine-readable security tags, controlled by an end-to-end Trust Management System. The objective is to develop a system that will provide varying degrees of product security and allow solutions to be offered to the market at a price commensurate with the product being protected.

David Creed, CEO of ITI Techmedia, commenting at the programme’s inception, said, “Our market analysis tells us that there is a significant opportunity to develop a market leading solution in the fight against counterfeit products and Scotland has the right selection of skills and expertise to help create it. The chance to become involved in the development of a complete system offers organisations who participate in the programme the potential to create significant competitive advantage in their market”.

Barry Hochfield, Ecebs Technical Director, added, “We are delighted that Ecebs have won this contract. The problems caused by counterfeiting have the potential to become one of the major business challenges of the next decade. Our experience in all aspects of advanced security solutions, exemplified by our smartcard initiatives, ideally positions us to add our expertise in developing groundbreaking market-leading solutions.”

About ITI Techmedia

ITI Techmedia is a member based organisation that identifies, develops and manages commercially driven Intellectual Property for the benefit of Scotland. It acts as a catalyst to create world-class technology in the digital media and communication sectors. Working with its Members and the technology community, ITI Techmedia commissions and funds R&D to the point of commercial viability.

Further information is available on the website www.ititechmedia.com