Anti-contrefaçon avec les QR Codes

Anti-Counterfeiting with QR Codes

QR codes provide a practical, scalable approach to product authentication. From luxury goods to pharmaceuticals, QR-based anti-counterfeiting systems help consumers verify product authenticity.

Serialisation

The foundation of QR-based authentication is serialisation — each product receives a unique identifier:

1. Generate a unique serial number during manufacturing
2. Encode the serial in a QR code (as plain text or URL)
3. Apply the QR code to the product or packaging
4. Register the serial in a central verification database

When a consumer scans the code, the system checks the serial number and reports whether the product is genuine.

Cloud Verification

The most common approach:

• QR code encodes a URL: https://verify.brand.com/check/ABC123XYZ
• The server looks up the serial number
• Returns authentication status, product details, and provenance information
• Tracks scan patterns (multiple scans from different locations may indicate counterfeiting)

Blockchain Verification

Some systems record product lifecycle events on a blockchain:

• Manufacturing entry, shipping, distribution, retail sale
• Each scan can verify the chain of custody
• Immutable records prevent database manipulation
• Transparency allows consumers to verify provenance

Anti-Tampering Measures

Physical QR code security features:

• Tamper-evident labels that break when removed
• Holographic QR codes combining visual and digital verification
• Hidden secondary codes under scratch-off layers
• Serialised codes unique to each unit (batch codes are easily replicated)

Industry Applications

Key Takeaways

• Serialisation (unique code per product) is the foundation
• Cloud verification provides real-time authentication status
• Blockchain adds immutable provenance records
• Tamper-evident materials prevent QR code sticker replacement
• Batch codes are insufficient — each product must have a unique serial