GB2529374A

GB2529374A - Anti-counterfeit packaging

Info

Publication number: GB2529374A
Application number: GB1408108.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tara Bridges; Matthew Pryor
Original assignee: Smurfit Kappa UK Ltd
Current assignee: Smurfit Kappa UK Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-08
Filing date: 2014-05-08
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-08
Also published as: WO2015169961A1; GB201408108D0; GB2529374B

Abstract

A packaging 10 comprising a visible code 30 and a hidden code 32. The hidden code is concealed by a flap 20, such that removing or opening the flap to expose the hidden code creates an opening in the packaging. The flap may be formed by a line of weakness 26 along the periphery of the flap. The codes are preferably aligned and the codes may be printed simultaneously onto both sides of the stock material for the manufacturing of the packaging. Both codes may by numerical and arbitrary. Both codes may be stored in a database. In order to verify the authenticity of a product, the codes can be submitted to the manufacturer for comparison with the database and the manufacturer will then confirm whether the code is genuine. The submission of the code may be achieved without any specialised readers by telecommunication means or via the internet. The visible code is intended for use by handlers, customs officers, etc and the hidden code is intended for use by the end consumer.

Description

ANTI-COUNTERFEIT PACKAGING

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of packaging. More specifically, it relates to an anti-counterfeit packaging system for verification of product authenticity.

Background

The progress of globalization has accelerated in recent decades, largely fuelled by the economic growth in developing countries such as China and India; leading to a shift in their balance of trade. The trade surplus in these developing countries, i.e. the export of manufactured products, is now being offset by a huge influx of luxury goods from the developed world. Unfortunately, the lucrative luxury goods market is often targeted by counterfeiters who make their fortune by selling and distributing counterfeited goods internationa'ly. To limit their loss in revenue and to protect their brands, and in some cases to ensure the safety of their customer, there arc many anti-counterfeiting measures manufacturers may apply to distinguish genuine goods from inferior counterfeited products.

Security holograms are one of the most common anti-counterfeit measures currently employed for protecting valuable goods. 2D13D holograms caiTying a trademark or a logo are often printed on the surface of stickers that adhere to the packaging of the product. The end-users can verify product authenticity by inspecting the quality of the hologram without the use of dedicated equipment. Since the specialized machines required to produce the holograms arc often very expensive, it is not easy for the counterfeiters to replicate secunty holograms. However the cost involved in producing the security holograms may substantially undercut the manufacturer's profit margin so it is often applied only to the packaging of high value goods, e.g. CPU chips and mobile phones. The biggest problem with security holograms is that it is not impossible, albeit costly, for the counterfeiters to acquire the necessary devices to produce high quality security holograms in order to disguise their counterfeited goods. As a result the use of security holograms does not guarantee product authenticity. Other authentication methods include security labels with microdots, REID tags and UV markings but these all require specialized devices for verification. Hence these security labels are usually not intended for the individual end-users; rather they are more commonly applied to bulk containers that are designated for distributors who are in possession of a suitable decoding device.

Alternatively sonic anti-counterfeit measures currently available feature alphanumeric codes for verifying product authenticity. For example, US6069955 teaches a security label comprising a serial number and a visible code that are printed onto the outer surface of the label, as well as a hidden code concealed underneath the label. Such hidden code is only revealed when the label is peeled off by the end-user. The visible code and hidden code are in fact asymmetric key encrypted versions of the serial number generated using different private keys to produce the visible and hidden codes respectively. Since the serial numbers arc different on each individual label, the visible and hidden codes derived from a serial number arc therefore unique for that particular label. A first level of verification may be carried out. by the customs officials and resellers using a computing device and suitable verification software equipped with the public key to verify the visible code, without the need to reveal the hidden code. The end-user may also verily product authenticity by matching the hidden code and serial number using a second public key and verification software. Unlike the earlier examples of security holograms and similar techniques, the manufacturer in this case is able to interact with customs officials, resellers and customers in the verification process. However the verification process requires a dedicated computing device and software to verify the visible and hidden codes. Thus it may not be fully compatible in some developing countries where access to IT equipment and the internet is rather limited. In addition since the serial number is unique to any given security label, it will inevitably contain many digits: entering and verifying such a long sequence is laborious and likely to incur error without the usc of barcodcs.

Similarly CN2272368U teaches a security card containing a pair of visible/hidden codes. A top ply card printed with a visible code is adhered to a backing paper, so as to conceal a code that is printed on the backing paper. The visible code is randomly generated and the pair of codes are related to each other by an algorithm. This invention is most likely to he applied on bankers' cheques where a bank can verify the cheques with their own computers running the algorithm. However the usc of the algorithm, like the previous example.

requires a specialized computer for decoding and may not be applicable for customs officials and end-users located in the developing world.

Alternatively W09416144A uses a pattern hidden between two plies of paper to verify authenticity. Using admission tickets as an example. a code in the form of horizontal strips that is unique to a particular event is printed on one of the inner surfaces of the two plies of paper before they are bonded together, in the process sealing the pattern code. During the verification process, the ticket inspector may tear apart the two plies of paper to reveal and inspect the hidden pattern. Although this method does not need a dedicated device for decoding, it does require the inspector to compare the revealed pattern with a reference pattern, which is not feasible for packaging as a reference pattern will have to be sent separately to the customs officials and end-users. In addition it is suggested that the same pattern code is printed onto a hatch of tickets to be used for the same event, i.e. the codes arc not unique to cach individual ticket, and hence thc tickcts can bc easily rcplicatcd.

CN2631993Y teaches an anti-counterfeit label that also comprises a pair of visible and hidden codes. The visible code is printed on the surface of a sticker adhered to the label whereas the hidden code is hidden from view at the back of the sticker. The hidden code is arbitrary and colTesponds to the visible code. Each pair of codes is unique to an individual label and all the codes are stored at a central database. The customs officials or end-users may call a hotline to verify product authenticity with the manufacturer using these codes.

Alternative communicating means include SMS messages or the internet.

As a result, an anti-counterfeit packaging system that is low cost, secure and allows the end-users or custom officials to verify product authenticity efficiently without the use of spccializcd equipment is desirable.

Summary

The prcsent applicant has mitigated thc abovc problcnis by providing a packaging comprising: i) a visible code; ii) a hidden code; characterised in that the hidden code is concealed by a flap, such that removing or opening the flap to expose said hidden code creates an opening in the packaging.

Optionally, the flap and the packaging are formed from a single piece of material; and wherein the flap is formed by a line of weakness along at least. a part of the periphery of the opening. The line of weakness ensures the hap securely shields the opening during transportation until the said line of weakness is intentionally broken by force.

The visible code and hidden code may serve different purposes. Whilst the visible code is intended to be used primarily by handlers (e.g. customs officials, distrihuters and wholesalers) to confirm product authenticity, the hidden code is unique to a particular container and only revealed when end-users break the line of weakness, e.g. when unpacking the product. Since damage dealt to the perforation is non-reversible, such mechanism ensures that the expired packaging cannot be reused by counterfeiters.

Optionally the visible code is arbitrary; it is randomly assigned to ensure that it cannot be anticipated easily by the counterfeiters. The hidden code may be arbitrary; or optionally generated by encrypting the visible code using an algorithm. In either case, the visihle code and hidden code correspond to each other and such pairing is either stored in the packaging manufacturer's database or is verifiable e.g. using a puhhc key.

The present invention also provides a method to operate the packaging, for verifying the authenticity of a product with a packaging manufacturer, comprising: i) observing the visible code; ii) submitting the visible code to the packaging manufacturer via telecommunication means or internet and iii) verifying if the visible code is genuine.

The method may further or alternatively comprise the steps of: iv) breaking the line of weakness to reveal the hidden code; v) observing the hidden code; vi) submitting the hidden code to the manufacturer via tdecommunication means or internet; vii) verifying the hidden code is genuine.

To confirm whether a product is genuine the handlers may contact the manufacturer with the visible code. ffi the case of end users/unpackers, they may instead supply the manufacturer with die hidden code or the visihie code and hidden code pairing. The advantage of a unique hidden code is that it may expire once the end-users submit such hidden code. For example, counterfeiters cannot reproduce a container with the same visible and hidden code pairing for transporting their counterfeited products. The packaging manufacturer can then provide the enquirer with information on product authenticity once the supplied code or codes are compared with those already stored in their database. Since the hidden code is unique to the particular packaging. more specific information such as manufacture and expiry dates may be provided.

Optionally the visible code and hidden code each comprise a numerical sequence. This ensures the codes can be submitted using a touchtone telephone system, which in turns allows the packaging manufacturer to adopt an automated answering system for accepting visible and hidden codes. Touchtone telephone systems are common in (he developing countries, and so handlers and end-users alike in those geographical locations, who often speak only (heir native languages. would have no problem communicating with manufacturers. Therefore this method is advantageous over (he prior art that requires dedicated equipment. However depending on the user's preference, the verification process may be carried out via internet or other telecommunicating means available.

Optionally, the visible code is unique to the packaging. In other words, the visible code alone identifies a particular piece of packaging (e.g. a container) and allows the tracking of that particular piece of packaging. Alternatively, the same visible code may correspond to a batch of packaging for simplicity. Since the visible code is only used for basic verification by the handlers. i.e. to determine whether one or more containers in a consignment are counterfeit, a single visible code is sufficient to confirm authenticity of goods produced within the same batch. In this case the visible code will need to be changed periodically to minimiie the chance of a counterfeiter successfully reproducing counterfeit packaging marked with the same visible code.

Optionally, the flap is completely detachable from the packaging once the line of weakness along the periphery of the opening is broken by force, in order to allow the end-users to read the visible and hidden codes more conveniently. Optionally, the flap remains in pivotal connection with the packaging so that the visible and hidden code pairing stays attached to their corresponding packaging. This is particularly useful when end-users are required to check authenticity of multiple pieces of packaging where mix-ups often occur.

Optionally, an access opening is cut adjacent to the flap. Such access opening aids the breaking of the line of weakness by allowing the end-user to insert their finger or fingernail and pull open the flap.

Optionally, the packaging and flap are made of corrugated paperboarci. However the packaging and flap may also made of other raw materials commonly used, such as corrugated plastic sheets and solid cardboard or fibreboard.

Optionally, the visible code is printed on the outer surface of the flap. The hidden code may he printed on the inner surface ci the flap and the visible code and hidden code substantially aligned. In this case the visible code and hidden code are printed simultaneously onto the inner surface and outer surface ol the flap.

Alternatively, the packaging may comprises an outer layer in which the flap is provided, the packaging further comprising an inner layer. In this case the visible code may be printed on the outer surface of the packaging, preferably on or adjacent to the flap. whereas the hidden code is printed on the outer surface of the inner layer. substantially aligned with the opening so that it is revealed when the flap is opened. Since there is no corresponding opening in the inner layer, the system provides better protection and secunty.

Optionally the visible code may be printed on the outer surface of the packaging. In this case, the visible code is not necessary in alignment with the hidden code. The visible code can be printed anywhere on the outer surface of the packaging for improved ergonomics or accessibility. For example the visible code, or duplications of such visible codes, can he printed at different locations so the handlers can read the visible codes from multiple angles.

In addition, the font size of the visible code is no longer limited by the size of the flap. thus allowing handlers with poorer eyesight to interpret the code accurately.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacture the packaging, comprising: i) supplying a feed of stock sheet material; ii) printing the visihie code and hidden code onto the feed of stock sheet material with a code printer; and iii) cutting the feed of stock sheet material into individual blanks erectable to form the packaging and each comprising a said flap.

The process starts by feeding a continuous supply of stock sheet material to the printer. In practice these feed are likely to be stacks of large corrugated paperboards, or a reel of cardboards. The printer prints the visible and hidden codes directly onto the stock sheet material, optionafly with other information such as product logo and trademarks, hefore the larger piece of stock sheet material is cut into smaller blanks. Thereafter a line of weakness that defines the flap is indented onto the blank and the access opening is cut. Finally the blank is folded, erected and glued to form the packaging.

Optionally, the code printer comprises a pair of print heads that print the visible code and hidden code simultaneously onto the feed of stock sheet material. Optionally, the pair of print heads are opposed and aligned so as to print the visible code and the hidden code simultaneously onto the two opposing sides of the stock sheet material. This ensures the codes are accurately aligned on the two sides of the flap. Such print heads are calibrated to print the codes at high speed when the feed of stock sheet material passes between them.

Alternatively, the packaging comprises an inner layer; and wherein the code printer prints the hidden code onto the inner layer before it is cut from the feed of the stock sheet material.

Optionally, the blank is folded upon itself to form an overlapping portion which provides the inner layer; and wherein the hidden code is concealed at the overlapping portion. Or alternatively the inner layer is adhered onto a previously separate outer layer to conceal the hidden code.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FunhleT features and aspects of the presen invention will be apparent from the following detailed descnptior of illusiranve emhodjmenls Trade with relèrence to the drawiras, in which: Figures Ia and h are perspective views showing a container with the flap in intact and opened positions respectively, according It an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure a perspective view showing the visibTe code and hidden cod:e printed on the oLlier surface and inner surface of the flap, according IC) an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure3is a schematic perspective view showing the visible code and hidden code being printed simultaneously on the outer surface and inner surface of part of a packaging blank which will then he cut/perfrrated/scored to form the flap. according to an emhocnment ol the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the visfte code and hidden code printed in alignment on the outer surface of the flap and on a pacKagIng inner aver, accorcarig to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figures Sa and 5h are perspecLive views showing the container with the flap in either intact or opened position aceordmg to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure Ia and Figure lb illustrate a system 10, which comprises a container 12. In this embodiment the container 12 is formed from a single piece of corrugated paperboard but it can be made of any material known to the person skilled in the art, for example corrugated plastic board, or solid cardboard, fibreboard or plastic sheets. The container is intended for transporting branded goods. It may be used to transport these braded goods directly to the individual end-users, or it may serve as a secure secondary package for distributing a batch of individually packaged branded goods from factories and distribution centers to a retailer.

The container 12 comprises a flap 20, which is formed by cutting a scorc line or line of perforations to form a line of weakness 26 around its edges to delineate the flap from the adjacent material of the packaging blank. The flap has a visible code 30 printed on its exterior surface, which is visible to any handler who checks or handles the container 10, for example custom officials, distributors and resellers, allowing them to perform verification without having to open the container 12. The visible code 30 and such verification method stop the majority of counterfeited goods from entering a market.

The visible code 30 may be a specific numerical sequence assigned to a batch of product.

Such visible code 30 may correspond to a product identification code (not shown) e.g. part number, SKU. To verify product authenticity. the handler may dial an enquiry hotline to check with a manufacturer whether the identification code and visible code 30 pairing printed on the container is genuine. However the use of the product identification code is not essential, since the numerical sequence of the visible code is sufficiently complicated to prevent counterfeiters from acquiring such code through trial and error. k this case the handler can simply submit the visible code 30 for verification. The visible code 30 changes periodically depending on counterfeit response time. h most cases, by the time counterfeiters have managed to replicate the visible codes 30 and appbed on their counterfeited goods, a new batch of container carrying a new visible code 30 would have been released; the custom officials can easily identify the counterfeited goods from their outdated visible codes 30.

Alternatively, the visible code 30 can also be assigned arbitrarily for each of the containers belonging to the same batch, resulting in a large number of visible codes 30. In this case by matching the arbitrary visible code 30 found on a container 12 and that stored on the manufacturer's database, its authenticity can he confirmed. Since the randomly assigned visible code 30 corresponds to only one container, it also serves as an identifier for that particular container. For example the manufacturers are able to track the whereabouts of a particular container when the handlers call and submit a (genuine) unique visible code 30.

The end-user or unpacker may verify product authenticity with the manufacturer directly using a combination of hidden code 32 and visible code 30. Each of the hidden codes 32 is assigned to a discrete container 12, and may comprise of an arbitrary numerical sequence. lii some cases the hidden code 32 is generated by encrypting the visible code 30 using an algorithm. In either way, the hidden code 32 corresponds to the visible code 30 and such code pairing is securely stored in the manufacturer's database or e.g. is verifiable by a public key in an asymmetric cryptographic system. As shown in Figures lb and 2. the hidden code 32 is printed on the inner surface of the flap and is hidden from view. It is only revealed when the end-user pulls the flap outward from the container, breaking the line of weakness as illustrated in Figure lb and Figure 2, and forming an opening 22. As shown in Figure la, there is an access opening 40 cut peripheral to the flap. The access opening 40 enables the end-user to pry open the flap by inserting his finger into the access opening. The flap 20 may hinge open along a crease, a score line, a line of perforations or other line of weakness 24. The integrity of the container is compromised once the flap is opened or preferably detached completely, e.g. by tearing it off at the line of weakness 24 after the flap has been opened by rupturing the lines of weakness 26. Then the package can no longer be sold or used as new. Thus the use of hidden code for verification is strictly limited to the end-user/unpacker.

Similar to the method used by the handlers, the end-user may call a hotline to provide the manufacturer with the visible/hidden code pairing, in order to match the record stored in the manufacturer's database. Since the hidden code 32 is unique to its corresponding container 12, once a hidden code 32 is reported it will no thnger he valid. For example, a counterfeiter cannot benefit from replicating an arbitrary hidden code / visible code pairing from used packaging.

The benefit of using such system to obtain direct verification from the manufacturer is that the communication can made using a telephone, which is available to almost all end-users and handlers, even in developing countries. However the mode of communication is not limited to telephone. Rather, it can be any communicating means known to the person skilled in the art, for example, SMS text messages, facsimile, or through the internet. The visible and hidden code may also be photographed or scanned for decoding by text recognition systems. To enable the usc of a touchtone telephone as an input device, the identification code, visible code and hidden code are preferably a numerical sequence so that the user can key in the numbers directly using the keypad.

To ensure the visible and hidden codes arc aligned on the outer and inner surface of the flap.

they are preferably simultaneously printed using a code printer 50. having opposed, aligned print heads 52, 54 as shown in Figure 3. The visible and hidden codes are printed directly on the stock raw material before or preferably as it is being cut into individual blanks, for subsequent erection to foim individual containers. Alternatively, the visible code may be printed on any part of die blank which will form the exterior of the packaging when erected.

The printing and die cutting operations are synchronized so that the hidden code is applied to that part of the stock material that is cut andlor scored downstream to form the flap 20.

To increase production rate the visible/hidden codes pairs are preferably printed over a continuous feed of stock sheet material, as it passes through the code printer 50 and then e.g. to die cutting rolls (not shown) for cutting the packaging container blanks.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, 5a and Sb.

the container is formed of two layers of corrugated paperboard, e.g. an inner layer 36 fully encapsulated by an outer layer 34. The outer layer 34 is similar to the container described in the earlier embodiment, i.e. it comprises a detachable flap 2Db containing a visible code 30b, as well as an opening 22b and access opening 40b. However in this case the hidden code 32b is not printed on the inner surface of the flap 2Db, hut onto the inner layer 36 at a location in alignment with the flap 2Db. The inner and outer layers may for example be formed from different panels of the blank which are brought together on erection of (lie blank to form the finished packaging, e.g. a case. Or the panels may be overlapped and secured by gluing to form a double-layer portion of a flattened, sleeve like blank for erection at the filling line. In these instances the print heads are suitably repositioned to print on the blank at the required locations. Yet alternatively, the flap may be formed in the outer layer and the inner and outer layers may be printed with the visible and hidden codes and laminated together before the stock material is cut into blanks. By removing the flap 20b along the line of weakness the hidden code 32b is revealed, and the end-user can proceed to submit the hidden code or visible/hidden code pairing for verification using the methods described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Packaging comprising: i) a visible code; ii) a hidden code; characterised in that the hidden code is concealed by a flap, such that removing or opening the flap to expose said hidden code creates an opening in the packaging.
2. The packaging of claim 1. wherein the flap and the packaging are formed from a single piece of material; and wherein the flap is formed by a line of weakness along at kast a part of the periphery of the opening.
3. The packaging of Claim 2, wherein the flap is completely detachable from the packaging once the line of weakness along the periphery of the opening is broken by force.
4. The packaging of aaim 2, wherein the flap remains iii pivotal connection with (lie packaging once the line of weakness along the periphery of (he opening is broken by force.
5. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code each comprise a numerical sequence.
6. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code is arbitrary.
7. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code is unique to the packaging.
8. The packaging ol any of claims 1-6, wherein the same visilie code corresponds to a batch of packaging.
9. The packaging of any of claims 1-7, wherein the hidden code is generated by encrypting the visible code using an algorithm.
10. The packaging of any of claims 1-8, wherein the hidden code is arbitrary.
11. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code are stored in a database.
12. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein an access opening is cut adjacent to the flap.
13. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging and flap are made of corrugated paperboard.
14. The packaging of any ol the preceding claims, wherein the packaging and the flap both comprise an outer surface which is visible, and an inncr surface which is hidden.
15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein (he visible code and hidden code are printed simultaneously onto the inner surface and outer surface of the flap.
16. The packaging of any preceding claim 14, wherein the packaging comprises an outer layer in which the flap is provided, the packaging further comprising an inner layer.
17. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the visible code is printed on an outer surface of the flap and the hidden code is printed on an outer surface of the inner layer.
18. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code are substantially aligned.
19. The packaging of claim 14, wherein tile visible code is printed on the outer surface of the packaging and the hidden code is printed on the inner surface of the flap.
20. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the visible code is pnnted on the outer surface of the packaging and the hidden code is printed on the outer surface of the inner layer.
21. A method to operate the packaging of any of the preceding claims, for verifying the authenticity of a product with a packaging manufacturer, comprising: i) observing the visible code; ii) submitting the visible code to the packaging manufacturer via telecommunication means or internet and iii) verifying if the visible code is genuine.
22. A method to operate the packaging of any of claims 1-20, for verifying the authenticity of a product with a packaging manufacturer, or the method of claim 21, comprising: iv) breaking the line of weakness to reveal the hidden code; v) observing the hidden code: vi) subnntting the hidden code to the manufacturer via telecommunication means or internet; vii) verifying the hidden code is genuine.
23. A method of manufacturing packaging of my of claims 1-20, comprising: i) supplying a feed of stock sheet material; ii) printing the visible code and hidden code onto the feed of stock sheet material with a code printer; and iii) cutting the feed of stock sheet material into individual blanks erectable to form the packaging and each comprising a said flap.
24. The method of claim 23. wherein the code printer comprises a pair of print heads that print the visible code and hidden code simultaneously onto the feed of stock sheet material.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the pair of print heads are opposed and aligned so as to print the visible code and the hidden code simultaneously onto the two opposing sides of the stock sheet material.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the packaging comprises an inner layer; and wherein the code printer prink the hidden code onto the inner layer before it is cut from the feed of the stock sheet material.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the blank is folded upon itself to form an overlapping portion which provides the inner layer; and wherein the hidden code is concealed at the overlapping portion.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein (he inner layer is adhered onto a previously separate outer layer to conceal the hidden code.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. Packaging comprising: i) a visible code; ii) a hidden code; characterised in that the visible and hidden codes are printed directly on the packaging and the hidden code is concealed by a flap, such that removing or opening the flap to expose said hidden code creates an opening in the packaging.2. The packaging of claim 1. wherein the flap and the packaging are formed from a single piece of material; and wherein the flap is formed by a line of weakness along at least a part of the periphery of the opening.IC) 3. The packaging of Claim 2, wherein the flap is completely detachable from the r packaging once the line ol weakness along the periphery ol the opening is broken by force.IC) 4. The packaging of Claim 2, wherein the flap remains in pivotal connection with the O packaging once the line of weakness along the periphery of the opening is broken by force.5. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code each comprise a numerical sequence.6. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code is arbitrary.7. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code is unique to the packaging.8. The packaging of any of claims 1-6, wherein the same visible code corresponds to a batch of packaging.9. The packaging of any of claims 1-7, wherein the hidden code is generated by encrypting the visible code using an algorithm.10. The packaging of any of claims 1-8, wherein the hidden code is arbitrary.11. A system comprising the packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code are stored in a database.12. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein an access opening is cut adjacent to the flap.13. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging and flap are made of corrugated paperboard. IC)r 14. The packaging of any ol the preceding claims, wherein the packaging and the flap both comprise an outer surface which is visible, and an inncr surface which is hidden.If) 15. The packaging of any preceding claim 14, wherein the packaging comprises an outer O layer in which the flap is provided, the packaging further comprising an inner layer.16. The packaging of claim 15, wherein the visible code is printed on an outer surface of the flap and the hidden code is printed on an outer surface of the inner layer.17. The packaging of any of the preceding claims, wherein the visible code and hidden code are substantially aligned.18. The packaging of claim 14. wherein the visible code is printed on the outer surface of the packaging and the hidden code is printed on the inner surface of the flap.19. The packaging of claim 15, wherein the visible code is printed on the outer surface of the packaging and the hidden code is printed on the outer surface of the inner layer.20. A method to operate the packaging of any of the preceding claims, for verifying the authenticity of a product with a packaging manufacturer, comprising: i) observing the visible code; ii) submitting the visible code to the packaging manufacturer via telecommunication means or internet and iii) verifying if the visible code is genuine.21. A method to operate the packaging of »=my of claims 1-19, for verifying the authenticity of a product with a packaging manufacturer, or the method of claim 20, comprising: iv) removing or opening the flap to expose said hidden code; v) observing the hidden code; vi) submitting the hidden code to the manufacturer via telecommunication means U) or internet; r vii) yen lying the hidden code is genuine. C?)0 22. A method olmanulacturing packaging of any of claims 1-1'), comprising: i) supplying a feed of stock sheet material; O ii) printing the visible code and hidden code onto the feed of stock sheet material with a code printer; and iii) cutting the feed of stock sheet material into individual blanks erectable to form the packaging and each comprising a said flap.23. The method of claim 22, wherein the code printer comprises a pair of print heads that print the visible code and hidden code simultaneously onto the feed of stock sheet material.24. The method of claim 23 wherein the pair of print heads are opposed and aligned so as to print the visible code and the hidden code simultaneously onto the two opposing sides of the stock sheet material.25. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the packaging comprises an inner layer; and wherein the code printer prints the hidden code onto the inner layer before it is cut from the feed ol the stock sheet material.26. The method of claim 25, wherein the blanks are each folded upon themselves to form an overlapping portion which provides the inner layer; and wherein the hidden code is concealed at the overlapping portion.27. The method of claim 25, wherein (he inner layer is adhered onto a previously separate outer layer to conceal the hidden code. IC)CO IC)