Secure Copy-Proof Anti-Counterfeiting QR codes for product authentication

Counterfeiting is a global problem that impacts businesses across industries, from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to electronics and food. Counterfeit products not only harm a company’s revenue and brand reputation but also pose significant risks to customer safety and brand loyalty. To combat this pervasive issue, secure QR codes equipped with advanced, copy-proof features are proving to be one of the most reliable solutions.

Unlike traditional QR codes, which are vulnerable to replication, secure QR codes integrate copy-proof patterns and other security elements to prevent duplication. These solutions are particularly valuable for large-scale production, as printed anti-counterfeiting measures are more cost-effective compared to other physical or digital security solutions.  

In this article, we will explore the concept of copy-proof QR codes, their importance and how innovative solutions like our copy-proof ValiGate^® are setting a new benchmark for product security.

How counterfeiters exploit QR codes

Counterfeiters exploit the vulnerabilities of traditional QR codes by reproducing them onto fake products. They often use high-resolution scanners and printers to copy the original product’s QR code, which is then placed on counterfeit packaging. If the QR code lacks security or anti-counterfeiting features, customers who scan the copied code are redirected to the same genuine website or product information page, creating the illusion that the product is authentic.

For example, a counterfeiter might replicate the QR code from a legitimate cosmetic product and apply it to counterfeit packaging. A customer scanning the code is directed to the official brand website, making it impossible to detect that the product is fake. This undermines customer trust, pollutes valuable customer data, and leaves brands without a reliable way to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit products.

The situation becomes even more challenging when counterfeit products enter the market before genuine ones. In such cases, counterfeiters flood the market with fake items bearing duplicated QR codes, while authentic products remain delayed in warehouses or supply chains. When a counterfeit product is scanned first, the code appears valid and registers as “ORIGINAL.” By the time the genuine product reaches the market, its QR code may already have been flagged as “SUSPICIOUS” or “COUNTERFEIT” due to the numerous scans logged for the fake products. This creates significant trust issues for the brand, as consumers may assume the genuine products are fake, leading to frustration and damaged confidence.

This challenge highlights how counterfeiters can exploit the system, misleading customers and corrupting scan data. Without robust anti-counterfeiting measures, brands are left vulnerable to such tactics, unable to effectively distinguish genuine products from counterfeits or trace the origins of fake goods. Only secure QR code solutions that combine serialization and copy-proof patterns can proactively prevent these issues and restore trust in product authenticity. 

Understanding the different types of QR codes and how they are used for anti-counterfeiting

QR codes are a versatile and widely used technology that encode information such as URLs, product details or unique identifiers into a scannable two-dimensional barcode. Consumers can use any smartphone camera or QR code reader to scan and access the embedded information. Unlike other technologies such as Datamatrix 2D barcodes, QR codes can now be scanned directly by native camera apps on most smartphones, eliminating the need for an additional app.

While QR codes are important for sharing information and tracking products, they are not inherently secure. Counterfeiters often exploit their vulnerabilities, especially when QR codes are used on product packaging. Depending on the type of QR code used, the implications for anti-counterfeiting vary significantly. Below, we explore the four main types of QR codes, their functionality and how brands and counterfeiters use them in the context of counterfeiting. 

Static QR codes contain a fixed URL or data embedded directly in the code. They are simple to generate and cost-effective, making them one of the most commonly used QR code types. 

Brands commonly use static QR codes to direct consumers to product websites, promotional content or instructional materials. Due to their simplicity and low cost, they are often printed on packaging for mass-distributed products. Static QR codes can also be tailored to individual SKUs, ensuring that the correct product manual or instructions are shown for each product.

Static QR codes offer no protection against counterfeiting. Counterfeiters can scan and reproduce these codes, allowing fake products to appear authentic to unsuspecting customers.
 
Pros:

• Easy and inexpensive to generate and print.
• Universally scannable with any smartphone or handheld scanner.
• Suitable for general information sharing. 

Cons:

• Completely insecure and easily copied.
• Offers no counterfeit detection capabilities.
• Cannot provide actionable insights into counterfeit activity. 

Scenario:

A brand uses static QR codes on its product packaging to direct customers to the homepage or product information pages. A counterfeiter scans a static QR code from a legitimate product and prints it onto counterfeit packaging. Customers scanning the counterfeit code are redirected to the official brand website, creating the illusion of authenticity.

Outcome:

• The counterfeit product remains undetected because the static QR code functions as intended.
• The brand cannot differentiate between genuine and counterfeit scans, leading to compromised customer data and missed counterfeit detection.
• Counterfeit products gain access to the same information and benefits intended for genuine customers, further undermining the brand’s efforts. 

2. Dynamic QR codes

Dynamic QR codes encode a redirect URL that allows brands to track scans and modify the final destination URL even after printing. They are mainly used for marketing campaigns. 

Brands also use dynamic QR codes to monitor customer engagement, track the number of scans and gather data on user behaviour. They are also used in marketing campaigns where the destination URL needs to be updated frequently.
While dynamic QR codes provide tracking and flexibility, they lack intrinsic security features. Counterfeiters can replicate them, misleading customers and corrupting scan data.

Dynamic QR codes originated from the concept of URL shorteners, where long promotional URLs were shortened to make them more practical for print. Services such as Bit.ly, TinyURL.com, and Short.io provide features that enable:

• Modification of the URL after the QR code is printed.
• Analytics to track scan activity, including time, location, and frequency.

Pros:

• Allows brands to track scan data such as time and location.
• Flexible, as the destination URL can be changed after printing.
• Useful for dynamic marketing campaigns.
• Allow smaller QR codes by shortening URLs (less space needed, higher acceptance)

Cons:

• Vulnerable to replication by counterfeiters.
• Does not offer counterfeit detection or product authentication.
• Genuine data is diluted by counterfeit activity.
• Scan data is collected by a third party. 
•  Platform cannot respond to repeated scans of the same code. 

Scenario:

A brand uses dynamic QR codes to track user engagement and direct customers to promotional offers. A counterfeiter replicates a dynamic QR code from a genuine product and applies it to counterfeit packaging. When scanned, the counterfeit code redirects customers to the official brand website via the intermediary URL.

Outcome:

• Counterfeit products remain indistinguishable from genuine ones because the dynamic QR code functions correctly.
• The brand collects corrupted scan data, which can compromise the accuracy of their analysis of customer behaviour and interactions with their marketing campaigns. This can lead to misguided business decisions, ineffective marketing strategies and potential loss of trust from consumers and stakeholders.     
• Counterfeiters continue to exploit the QR code, leaving consumers at risk and the brand without a reliable way to address the problem.

3. Serialized QR Codes

Serialized QR codes are unique to each product and linked to a specific record in the brand’s database. They allow brands to track individual items and identify counterfeit activity. Counterfeit activity is detected when the same serialized code is scanned multiple times in different locations or at suspicious frequencies.
Brands use serialized QR codes to track individual products through the supply chain and monitor consumer interactions. They also use these codes to authenticate products by verifying the uniqueness of each scan.

Serialized QR codes improve counterfeit detection but are still vulnerable to duplication. Counterfeiters can copy serialized codes before they are flagged as fake.

Another major risk arises when counterfeiters release fake products with duplicated codes into the market before the genuine products are distributed. In such cases:

• The counterfeit product will initially appear “ORIGINAL” when scanned.
• Genuine products released later will be flagged as “SUSPICIOUS” due to the counterfeit activity, leading to confusion for both the brand and consumers.

Pros:

• Enables product-level tracking and identification.
• Provides data to detect duplicate scans and pinpoint counterfeit hotspots.
• Allows for blacklisting of compromised codes.
• Less expensive than a copy-proof QR.

Cons:

• Vulnerable to duplication until counterfeit activity is detected.
• Requires an authentication system and database, increasing costs.
• Reactive rather than proactive in preventing counterfeiting. 

Scenario:

A brand uses serialized QR codes to track individual products and enable authentication. A counterfeiter scans and reproduces the serialized QR code from a single product. The counterfeit code is applied to multiple fake products and distributed across various markets.

Outcome:

• Duplicate scans across multiple locations eventually alert the brand to counterfeit activity.
• Counterfeit products remain in circulation for weeks or months before detection, potentially harming customers and the brand’s reputation.
• The brand can blacklist the compromised code, but significant damage may already be done.

 
4. Watermark QR

QR codes can also incorporate invisible watermarks, which enhance security and provide protection against counterfeiting. These watermarks, undetectable to the human eye, can only be recognized by a smartphone equipped with a dedicated app. Brands can integrate these QR codes into their product packaging, enabling customers to verify authenticity by scanning the code.

Pros:

• Increases protection against counterfeiting using invisible watermark technology.
• Retains the benefits of serialized QR codes.
• Invisible to the naked eye, ensuring a clean design.

Cons:

• Requires a dedicated app, as watermarks cannot be detected by standard QR scanners.
• Not entirely copy-proof; if additional dots are identified and replicated, the watermark can be copied.

Scenario:

A brand updates its packaging design by embedding invisible watermarks into the layout. These watermarks can also be distributed across the entire design, improving readability and robustness. A consumer downloads a dedicated app and scans the packaging to verify authenticity. The app detects the watermark and confirms the product’s originality. Additionally, watermarks are used in recycling processes to identify packaging materials, provided compatible reading devices and algorithms are implemented.

Outcome:

• The invisible watermark enhances security, making QR codes more resistant to counterfeiting while allowing consumers to verify product authenticity.
• As watermarks only modify some pixels of the design, they remain at risk of duplication if identified and copied.

5. Copy-Proof QR codes

Copy-proof QR codes integrate advanced security features, such as encrypted patterns or copy-resistant images, making them nearly impossible to replicate.
A unique, copy-resistant pattern is embedded into the QR code during its creation. When counterfeiters attempt to replicate the QR code using scanners or printers, the embedded security pattern degrades, rendering the duplicate code invalid.

Brands use copy-proof QR codes to protect products from counterfeiting by embedding a security feature that ensures instant detection of unauthorized duplication. These codes are also used to build consumer trust by allowing customers to authenticate products in real time.

Copy-proof QR codes provide the highest level of protection against counterfeiting by proactively detecting and preventing unauthorized duplication, making them particularly suitable for high-volume markets where cost efficiency is key.
 
Pros:

• Provides unmatched security and proactive counterfeit detection, starting from the very first scan.
• Instantly alerts brands and consumers to counterfeit activity.
• Easy for consumers to authenticate products using a smartphone camera.
• Most cost-efficient way of protection for high-volume mass markets, as they integrate seamlessly into printed packaging.

Cons:

• Slightly higher production cost compared to standard QR codes.
• Requires minor adjustments to integrate the codes into existing labels or packaging, ensuring compatibility with secure printing processes and authentication systems.

Scenario:

A brand uses copy-proof QR codes on its product packaging to ensure authenticity. A counterfeiter scans a copy-proof QR code from a legitimate product and prints it onto counterfeit packaging. The embedded security pattern degrades during the copying process, causing the code to lose critical details.

Outcome:

• When customers scan the counterfeit QR code, it is flagged as invalid, and the product is identified as counterfeit in real time.
• The brand is alerted to the counterfeit activity and the compromised code is blacklisted.
• Consumers are informed of the counterfeit product, reinforcing trust in the brand.
• Counterfeiters are effectively stopped, as the degraded security pattern makes duplication infeasible.

Why serialization and copy-proof patterns only work best together

To effectively combat counterfeiting, brands need a combination of serialization and copy-proof patterns. Neither approach alone is sufficient, but together they provide robust and comprehensive protection for products.

Serialization

Serialization involves assigning a unique QR code to each product and linking it to a secure database. This enables brands to track individual items, monitor scan activity, and identify counterfeit products through duplicate scans. Serialization excels at providing traceability and actionable insights. However, it is a reactive solution—it can detect counterfeit activity only after fake products have already entered the market.

Copy-proof patterns

Copy-proof QR codes embed an encrypted pattern into the QR code itself. This pattern degrades when counterfeiters attempt to replicate the code, making it immediately detectable as fake during authentication – starting from the very first scan. Copy-proof patterns are proactive because they prevent counterfeiters from replicating the QR code in the first place. However, without serialization, they cannot track or analyze scan data to identify counterfeit hotspots or supply chain leaks.

Serialization, copy-proof patterns and the SCRIBOS 360 digital platform: The ultimate, most powerful anti-counterfeiting solution in the market 

The combination of serialization and copy-proof patterns offers the strongest anti-counterfeiting solution by addressing the limitations of each approach when used independently. Together, they provide both proactive prevention and comprehensive detection.

Serialization ensures that each product is uniquely identifiable, enabling tracking and monitoring of individual items, while copy-proof patterns proactively prevent duplication by counterfeiters. Together, they create a robust system that provides both proactive prevention and comprehensive detection, offering brands and consumers unparalleled security.

However, serialized codes and copy-proof patterns alone cannot reach their full potential. Without a powerful backend system to analyze and manage the data these technologies generate, their full potential remains unrealized. This is where SCRIBOS 360 steps in, transforming a strong anti-counterfeiting solution into an unstoppable force.

SCRIBOS 360 is a comprehensive backend platform that ensures every scan is processed, authenticated and recorded in real time. When a consumer or stakeholder scans a QR code, SCRIBOS 360 verifies its originality, logs the results, and provides accurate feedback. This ensures consumers always receive the correct information about the product’s authenticity while enabling the brand to monitor activity and counter counterfeit threats.

The true power of SCRIBOS 360 lies in its ability to go beyond simple authentication. Counterfeit products are unmistakably detected, providing definitive results that eliminate doubt. Brands gain access to intelligent insights through advanced statistics, AI-driven algorithms, and detailed reports, allowing them to pinpoint counterfeit hotspots, identify the sources of fakes and take decisive action against counterfeiters. Additionally, SCRIBOS 360 sends real-time alerts about suspicious activity, empowering brands to act swiftly to mitigate counterfeiting risks.

With SCRIBOS 360, serialization and copy-proof QR codes become part of a fully integrated anti-counterfeiting solution. This combination provides unmatched product protection, builds consumer trust, and equips brands with the tools they need to stop counterfeiters at their source.

ValiGate^® and SCRIBOS 360: The ultimate anti-counterfeiting solution

ValiGate^® combines serialization and copy-proof patterns to deliver unparalleled anti-counterfeiting protection, while the SCRIBOS 360 platform provides actionable data and insights to enhance these efforts. Together, they benefit both brands and consumers, ensuring comprehensive protection, real-time detection and mutual trust.

Benefits for brands

Comprehensive protection: 

• Combines serialization and copy-proof patterns to prevent duplication and detect counterfeit activity.
• Protects product integrity and brand reputation by making counterfeiting impossible. There has been no successful imitation of a SCRIBOS solution in 20 years. 

Actionable data and insights:

• The SCRIBOS 360 platform provides real-time scan data, identifying counterfeit hotspots and supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Allows brands to track products, monitor geographic trends and collect evidence for legal actions against counterfeiters.
• AI algorithms detect counterfeit hotspots for targeted action. 

Proactive alerts:

• Brands are notified immediately when counterfeit activity is detected, enabling rapid response.
• Blacklist compromised QR codes to prevent further misuse and protect future customers.

Empowering consumers to fight counterfeiting:

• Brands can leverage consumer scans as a powerful crowdsourcing tool, creating an army of detectives who help identify counterfeit products.
• Each scan contributes data that helps brands pinpoint counterfeit hotspots and trace the origin of fake products, offering critical intelligence to shut down counterfeiting operations. 

Scalable Integration:

• Easily integrates into existing production workflows, whether through labels or direct printing onto packaging.
• Suitable for products of any scale, from small batches to large-scale production.

Dynamic Post-Scan Marketing:

• Brands can offer consumers exclusive marketing content after scanning the QR code, such as product offers, loyalty rewards, instructional videos, or promotional campaigns. Content can also include product information, manuals, installation videos, sustainability and recycling details, ingredients and nutrition facts (Digital Product Passport), and supply chain insights, such as the product’s origin. 
• Content delivered post-scan can be updated or customized at any time, allowing brands to tailor messaging for specific markets, trends, or customer needs.
• By combining authentication with personalized content, brands can build customer trust while driving engagement and loyalty. 

Gain back revenue and market shares:

• The SCRIBOS 360 system uses AI algorithms to detect counterfeit hotspots with precision 
• Test purchases at identified locations generate the evidence needed for court trials.
• Further investigations reveal counterfeit warehouses and production sites.
• Raids allow authorities to close down counterfeiting operations, enabling brands to reclaim market share and revenue from counterfeiters.

Sustainable and cost-efficient:

• Our direct print option (ValiGate Direct Print) reduces material waste and supports eco-friendly practices, lowering the overall environmental footprint.
  

  

Benefits for consumers

Instant Product Authentication:

• Consumers can verify a product’s authenticity with a simple smartphone scan, without requiring a dedicated app.
• Scanning reveals whether the product is genuine, providing immediate peace of mind.Consumers can detect counterfeits before making a purchase and take action to avoid being misled or harmed. 

Empowerment in the fight against counterfeiting:

• Consumers act as an army of detectives, contributing to counterfeit detection by scanning products and reporting suspicious items.
• Each scan helps brands locate counterfeit hotspots and trace the source of fake products.       
• This consumer-driven network is far more powerful and effective than a small team of internal investigators, which a company may rely on. 

Improved safety and trust:

• Protects consumers from the risks associated with counterfeit products, such as health or safety issues.
• Builds confidence in the brand, knowing the company is committed to product authenticity and customer well-being.

Enhance consumer experience:

• No app or specialized tools are required—authentication is as simple as scanning the QR code with a smartphone camera.
• Ensures a seamless and user-friendly verification process.

Access to exclusive content:

• After scanning the QR code, consumers unlock exclusive marketing content curated by the brand, such as special offers, how-to guides or loyalty rewards.
• These personalized experiences enhance engagement and strengthen the consumer’s connection with the brand.

Conclusion

Counterfeiting is a pervasive global issue that threatens brand integrity, brand image, consumer safety and business revenue. Traditional QR codes, including static and dynamic versions, fail to offer the protection needed to combat this growing problem.

The combination of serialization and copy-proof patterns represents the ultimate solution, delivering both proactive prevention and comprehensive detection capabilities. ValiGate^®, supported by the SCRIBOS 360 platform, integrates these technologies seamlessly to provide brands with unmatched anti-counterfeiting protection and actionable insights. Beyond safeguarding products, this solution empowers brands to engage with their customers dynamically and meaningfully, offering exclusive content post-scan while leveraging consumer interactions to crowdsource intelligence against counterfeiters.

By adopting ValiGate^® and SCRIBOS 360, brands can ensure product authenticity, build consumer trust, and strengthen their market position, all while contributing to a more sustainable future with direct-print solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, a worldwide client base, and a portfolio of large, well-known brands that trust in our solutions, we have built a strong reputation for delivering excellence in brand protection. Our expertise ensures reliable, scalable solutions for businesses across all industries.

Contact us at hello@scribos.com to discuss how our copy-proof QR code solutions can protect your products, empower your customers, and revolutionize your anti-counterfeiting strategy. Let’s secure your brand together.

Author

Sabine Carrell, International Communications Manager at SCRIBOS