FR2783077A1 - Labelling system for genuine merchandise includes self-adhesive label with visible and machine-readable sections which must tally to provide evidence of validity - Google Patents

Abstract

The label combines a visually readable element and a machine-readable element. The label comprises a support (1) with an adhesive on the back for attachment to a product, and on the front surface there is a distinctive element (5) and an identification code (9). These provide the access key to an identification table where each labelled product is identified, and its destination is also recorded. This table is stored in a secure location. The support and the distinctive element (5) have a shape and appearance enabling the visual identification of the product, whilst the identification code may be made up from a dot matrix pattern which cannot be read by the human eye. The label is made from a material which cannot readily be moved from one product to another without alteration being needed to both parts of the labelling.

Description

Advanced label for product identification, and installation

  The invention relates to the field of authentication of

the origin of products.

  In many areas of industry, and more particularly in

  In the so-called "luxury", many products are copied or counterfeited. These copies or counterfeits, which reproduce in a quasi-servile way the aspect of the "real" products, are widely diffused in the trade and are quite often mixed with the products "authentic" or

  "True". It is therefore very difficult, if not impossible

  for a buyer to differentiate the true product from the fake. In addition, some wholesalers buy very large quantities of "real" products in order to obtain

  significant discounts from manufacturers. Then, these magnifications

  Those who initially qualify as authorized holders resell these products in small quantities at significantly higher prices to unauthorized resellers, for example, who are then unauthorized holders. This

  resale technology constitutes "parallel markets".

  Of course, the products that come out of the manufacturer are generally

  accompanied by a label, relatively ordinary, provided with an identification code. But, it is quite easy to delete this tag or its identification code, or to replace the code with another code. As a result, on the one hand, a buyer of average attention can not perceive the change and, on the other hand, it is almost impossible to trace the ramifications of a

parallel market.

  The object of the invention is in particular to remedy these problems.

  For this purpose, the invention starts from a label which comprises, in known manner, a support provided on an upper face with a distinctive element, and on a lower face of adhesive means allowing its association with a product. "Distinctive element" is used here to mean a mark such as a Mark and / or a Logo, or the like, and by "association with a product"

  the bonding to the product itself or to its packaging

  ge. The label according to the invention is characterized by the fact that:

  - its support and the distinctive element

  a form and aspect chosen so as to allow

  the direct identification, in particular visual identification, of the product to a class of products, this support further comprises on its upper face a first identification code forming an access key to an identification table comprising a set of first identification codes distinct from each other, to each of which this table corresponds to a multiplet of data (or n-tuples, n> 1) comprising an identifier of a product of the class and the designation of at least one authorized holder of the product (first buyer), and - the support is made of a chosen material so that once associated with a product it can not be

  transferred to another product without being sensitive to

  altered with at least one of the first identification code and the distinctive element.

  Because of its shape and appearance, which are preferably

  rence, identical for all products of the same class of products identified in the identification table (unifying principle) the label instantly indicates to the interested buyer that the product with which it is associated is authentic. In case of doubt, linked for example to a slight alteration, the buyer can check on a label associated with a nearby product or displayed on a panel, if this alteration is accidental or voluntary, and it will draw the consequences that 's needed. As to the absence

  label, it will give rise to a strong suspicion

  tor. In addition, the presence of a first identification code, which is preferably unreadable for the human eye (in the indecipherable direction) contributes, because of the encryption technique used, to the visual appearance of the label , and allows an inspector with an appropriate code reader, to check at the point of sale, in particular, whether the products which concern him are authentic and if they are on a sales place corresponding to the holder

  authorized (recipient having purchased the product initially).

  This effectively combats the parallel markets. Such an inspector may be employed by one or more manufacturers, or by all the manufacturers designated by the identification table, thereby contributing to

reduce inspection fees.

  Any type of encryption technique can be considered for

  enter the first identification code on the media.

  Nevertheless, it is preferable that this be done using a technique of combination of "points", as for example

  the so-called "Data Matrix", "Dot Code" and "Snowfla-

  Advantageously, the first identification code is inscribed (or formed) on the support with the aid of a special ink which reacts only to a light of wavelength

  chosen, especially an infra-red light.

  Moreover, the first identification code is preferably of random type, so that it is not

  possible, or at least very difficult, to determine the

  the rithm that generated it. A particularly interesting random code generation technique is to draw an algorithm from among a multiplicity of algorithms and then run this algorithm so that it generates the

  random codes of the different products to be labeled.

  Also preferably, the support is made of a polystyrene material, optionally mixed with additives and / or a resin other than polystyrene, and with a thickness of between about 10 μm and about 500 μm, in particular between 50 μm. and 80 μm. This support may further include a watermark. It can also be integrally coated, on its upper face, with a transparent protective film, irremovable once secured to the support, after depositing at least the first identification code and the sign

distinctive.

  In a preferred embodiment, the distinctive element is a hologram common to all products to facilitate the

  rapid recognition of the label by a buyer.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the support also has on its upper face additional distinctive elements. It could be, for example,

  representative of the product and / or its manufacturer

cant.

  According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the support comprises on its upper face a second identification code, readable by the human eye (in the decipherable direction), and in this case each multiplet of the table.

  identification includes a second identification code.

  So, if the buyer has a doubt as to the authenticity of a

  product, he will be able to verify this authenticity by

  computer terminal connected to the identification table.

  on the point of sale or accessible by means of a telephone call, providing all or

  part of the second identification code.

  The invention further relates to a method of identifying products comprising the following steps: - providing a label-holder provided on a lower face of adhesive means and on an upper face of a distinctive element; the label-holder and the distinctive element

  having a chosen shape and aspect, and the support-labeling

  which is irremovable without any appreciable alteration, once secured to a product; - provide the upper face of this support-tag with a first identification code; storing each first identification code in an identification table; - fix the label holder to a product belonging to a product class; storing in the identification table, in correspondence of each first identification code, a byte comprising at least one identifier of the labeled product belonging to said class and the designation of at least one holder entitled to hold the labeled product; and

  - make available at least one access to the identification table

  for the authentication of the label by the

  through its first identification code.

  The invention also relates to the identification installations

  tification of products associated with the aforementioned labels.

  These facilities include a multiplicity of readers of

  data, portable, each able, on the order of an "opera-

  inspector ", to read (in the sense of decrypting) the first

  identification code placed on a label, and

  the identification table with this first code read from

  in return for at least some of the information

  included in the multiplet associated with this first code read. This allows the operator-inspector to check whether the products at the various points of sale

  are authentic and at the planned sales locations

  is lying. These installations also preferably comprise at least one interrogation terminal connected to the identification table, interrogable, for example, remotely by means of a telephone call, and capable, on the one hand, of be fed with a first part of the second identification code placed on the label of a product to be authenticated, on the one hand, to interrogate the identification table with the first part received so as to extract one second part associated with said first part in the corresponding byte, and a third part, to provide the second part extracted so that it can be compared to the second part of the second code

  identified on the label.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  will appear in the examination of the detailed description which will

  follow and appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a label according to the invention, magnified by a factor of about 5; FIG. 2 illustrates a particular embodiment of an identification installation according to the invention; and

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the principal

  the steps of the identification method according to the invention.

  The annexed drawing is, at least partly, of a certain character. As a result, it can not only

  better understand the detailed description below, but

  also contribute to the definition of the invention, the case

applicable.

  In the detailed description that follows, a description will be given of

  particular embodiment of a product identification tag, according to the invention, the targeted products being more particularly those of a federation of manufacturers and in particular those of the luxury industry, although in a non-limiting manner. In Figure 1 is shown a label 1 enlarged by a factor of about 5. Of course, one could consider smaller or larger labels according to

  needs. But because of the products covered by the

  described below (luxury goods such as designer scarves, or perfumes, or the like), and for reasons of legibility it is preferable that such

  label has dimensions of the order of 3 to 6 cm.

  The label 1 according to the invention aims to be associated with a product, here luxury, so that a potential buyer can authenticate its origin in a manner almost instantaneous. For a buyer, a product is considered authentic if it is neither a copy nor an infringement. However, because of the skill of today's counterfeiters and copiers, it is very difficult to differentiate authentic products

copies and / or counterfeits.

  The label according to the invention of particular shape and appearance

  sellers, known to buyers, allows such a difference

  tion. In the field of the luxury industry, it is particularly

  advantageously that all these products are associated with the same label. Here we mean by "same label"

  labels whose shape and appearance are identical.

  Thanks to the invention, a buyer interested in a luxury product will thus be confronted with three different situations: - a first situation in which the product which interests him does not carry a label. It is clear that in this first situation, the presumption of nonauthenticity of the product is very large, even total;

  - a second situation in which the product in which it is

  resse has a label whose shape and / or appearance is (or are) not identical to the shape and / or appearance of the labels that usually mark products of this type. Again, the presumption of being in

  presence of a copy and / or counterfeit is very large.

  To facilitate the verification by the potential buyer of the authenticity of the label associated with the product sold, a sign with an authentic label may be placed in the sales premises near the products;

  - a third situation in which he immediately recognizes

  and, without any doubt, the label associated with the product of interest. In this situation, the buyer will have a very strong presumption of the authenticity of the product. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the label comprises a support 1 comprising a central portion 2, of generally circular shape, extended by two radial arms 3 and 4 opposite one another, and whose dimensions are not

necessarily identical.

  The central parzia 2 comprises, on its upper face, a main distinctive element 5, such as a hologram. Of course, other types of distinctive elements easily

  recognizable by the human eye can be envisaged.

  Nevertheless, the hologram remains the most appropriate distinctive element, insofar as its

difficult to achieve.

  In addition, additional distinctive elements

  6-8, as is particularly the case on the arm 3 of the illustrated label. Here, three zones referenced 6, 7 and 8 comprise a complementary marking. These markings can be, for example, made with special inks whose color changes depending on the orientation of the label. It may be areas that are uniformly colored or not, or areas with the mark of the product with which the label is associated, or a combination of color (s) and mark. Of course, any other type of marking that can be easily identified by

  the human eye can be considered.

  It is clear that, instead of having a principal distinguishing element and additional distinctive elements, a single distinctive element could be provided that extends over almost the entire label, or even the entire

this label.

  Furthermore, and this constitutes another essential element of the invention, the label comprises, in addition to the distinctive element 5, its shape and its appearance, a first identification code 9 intended to allow an inspector to verify, on the one hand, the authenticity of the product, and on the other

  if this product is sold at the original location.

  In other words, this first identification code 9 allows

  fight against the parallel markets described in the introduction

  duction. It also contributes to the general appearance of the

  together with the distinctive elements.

  Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the first identification code 9 is unreadable by the human eye, ie indecipherable because of the encryption technique used. But this illegible character can be reinforced or come from the printing technique used, for example, using ink jet or laser printers using special inks that can only be read under a light of a chosen wavelength, for example under infrared light. In particular, we will be able to use the Company's invisible inks

  Domino Young referenced CL 4410.

  As regards the encryption technique which makes it possible to render a code indecipherable (here the first identification codes), it is preferable to use the so-called "dot marking" technique (as illustrated in FIG. is well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the techniques known as "Data Matrix", "Dot Code" and "Snowflake" may be used. Such

  coding techniques are incorporated in some

  of the Domino Young Company. Of course, any other

  Encryption technique can be considered.

  Also preferably, although it is not obligatory

  re, the first identification code 9 is a random type code. Such a code can be obtained using a random code generation algorithm. But, if one wishes to reinforce the security of the codes, it is preferable to complicate the process of generation of the first identification code. For example, it is possible firstly to randomly draw a random code generation algorithm from among a multiplicity of such algorithms (for example 5 or 6 different algorithms), and then using this method.

  random algorithm, generate the first identifier code

  cation 9 for a label. This code generation mode makes it even more difficult for a

  fraudster who would like to find the encryption key ("cas-

be "the algorithm).

  It is clear here that the tags have different first identification codes. In addition, these first

  Identification codes can be alphanumeric.

  All the first identification codes 9, used on the different labels associated with products, are stored in a memory in correspondence of data bytes (or n-tuples, n> 1) different which each include at least one identifier of a product and a recipient ID of this product. The identifier of a product may be, for example, the reference attributed to it by its manufacturer. In addition, the identifier of a recipient may include the name and address of the recipient, as well as all points of sale or recipient will have the right to sell the product designated by the product identifier located in the same multiplet. Of course, each byte can include many other information, in the form of

  additional data or identifiers.

  An identification table is thus produced between different first identification codes and different bytes, which table can be stored in a computer memory implanted in a safe place, for example at the manufacturer of the labels. Moreover, such an identification table is not fixed in time, since it can be completed or modified at any time, depending on the needs. To enable the generation, then the exploitation, of the identification table, the invention provides an installation

  of the type illustrated in FIG.

  This installation comprises a central computer 20 implanted, for example, at the place 27 for manufacturing the label holders 1, or at the place where the codes and / or distinctive elements are placed. The label manufacturer generates the first identification codes and then stores these

  first identification codes in the identification table.

  The support means 1 then receives the distinctive signs 5 and the first generated identification codes 9, and then the labels are

  addressed to manufacturers of luxury goods.

  This manufacturer of luxury goods receives the labels in the place of manufacture 28 of products 25, 26, or where they are packaged. In these places 28 is implanted an input computer 22 connected to the central computer 20. This input computer 22 supplies the identification table with data representative of the product and its authorized holder. He understands to do this a

dedicated software.

  Each product 25, 26 is associated with a label by gluing its underside, which is provided with an adhesive, either on its packaging (for example perfumes) or on the product.

  himself, in a suitable place.

  Just after placing the label on the product, or

  just before, we read (decrypts) the first identifier code.

  9 placed on the label, for example using the reader, which positions a pointer where the first code is stored in the identification table. An operator then enters the data representative of the product (identifier), for example its reference denoting its membership in the class of luxury goods, and those

  representatives of the holder entitled to sell it, together with

  for example from the list of authorized places of sale.

  These data form the multiplet associated with the first identification code. Also provided at these locations 28, as well as at the location 27 of the labels, code readers 30 which are intended only to read (decipher) the first identification codes 9 placed on the labels to associate manufactured products 25, 26. These readers 30 can be connected, for example by wave, to the central computer

  20 or input computers 22, depending on their location.

  But they can also be connected by wire.

  Furthermore, a multiplicity of code readers 21, preferably portable, capable of remotely interrogating the central computer 20 is provided. The interrogation can be carried out either directly during a code reading at a point of sale or at a point of sale. detention, either indirectly after recording the code in the reader and then connecting the

  this player to a terminal or a telephone jack.

  Such readers are arranged to decrypt the code 9 unreadable by the human eye, then search directly or indirectly, as mentioned above, if the first identification code 9 thus decrypted belongs to this identification table. It is important that the reader comprises display means 23, so that the result of

  the query can be displayed.

  Thus, if a first identification code 9 decrypted by a reader 21 belongs to the identification table, the reader will display on its screen 23 all or part of the information that is stored in the byte that is associated with the first code Identification. It is clear that only certain information may be displayed on the reader, such as in particular the reference of the product 25, 26 and the places of sale 24 where the recipient is authorized to sell it.

  With this information, Inspector I can then determine

  if the product, associated with the label 1 which he has just deciphered the first identification code 9 using its code reader 21, is genuine, and if this product is sold in an authorized place 24, c which is to say which corresponds

  information about the authorized holder.

  It is thus possible to fight against the parallel markets effectively because at any moment it is possible to know if a label is authentic, if the holder is authorized to sell the labeled product, and to find the authorized holder (first buyer), in such a way to power

  to go up parallel channels (or markets).

  The invention also relates to a method of identifying products using labels of the type described above. This method, which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, comprises the following main steps (in continuous lines): - providing (step 100) label carriers 1, then providing them with the same distinctive element 5 (step 110) ), the label carriers and the distinctive element having a selected shape and appearance, and the label carriers (1) being irremovable without significant alteration; provide all the label carriers 1 with a first identification code 9 (step 110), the codes being different from one label support to the other; storing each first identification code 9 in an identification table (step 120); fixing each label-holder 1 to a product belonging to a product class (step 130); storing in the identification table, in correspondence of each first identification code placed on a product of the labeled class, a byte comprising at least one identifier of the labeled product and the designation of at least one holder entitled to hold that product. labeled product (step); and

  - make available at least one access to the identification table

  fication (step 150); such access can be achieved under the

  form of the code reader described above.

  In Figure 3, the steps that are framed by dashes

  are optional, and will be described later.

  Of course, here "support-tag" is understood to mean a support provided with a lower face comprising an adhesive, the upper face then having the distinctive sign 5 and the first identification code 9. The adhesive is chosen sufficiently powerful , so that the label can not be moved without being altered its support and at least one of the elements which are placed on its upper face, chosen from at least the first identification code 9 and

the main distinguishing sign 5.

  Moreover, the order of the steps is not necessarily fixed.

  Thus, steps 100 and 110 can be performed substantially

  at the same time, or the first identification code can be placed on the label holder before placing the main distinguishing element, or the first identification codes can be stored in the table.

  identification, before placing them on

  label. It is interesting to note that, thanks to the labels according to

  invention, a single inspector may verify the authenticity

  city and the origin of all products of the same class of products, here luxury, which are sold in the same place of sale, regardless of their brand provided that all

  these products belong to the same identification table.

  This significantly reduces the cost of verifying the authenticity of products, since an inspector may be paid by several manufacturers, or even a federation of manufacturers whose common interest lies in the fight against copying, counterfeiting and parallel markets. Moreover, in order to allow a potential buyer to verify, for sure, the authenticity of a product, the labels can carry a second identification code readable by the human eye. Preferably, such codes are stored in the same identification table as previously described, and which includes the first byte-matching identification codes. More specifically, it is advantageous for said multiplets to comprise complementary data formed at least

  second identification code carried on the labels.

  It is clear that this additional data item 10 is generated by and stored by the tag manufacturer in a

  multiplet corresponding to a first identifier code

  tion. In this embodiment (see FIG. 2), the installation according to the invention should comprise at least one dedicated terminal 31 implanted in a place of information, possibly the place where the correspondence table is stored, or a place allowing to connect it to the central computer 20, so as to allow buyers to check, by a remote interrogation type phone call (from

  preferably a toll-free number, such as a toll-free number), the

  the product through the second identification code

  cation 10 carried by the label 1 associated with it.

  Preferably, the reader 30 implanted in the embodiment of the labels 27 is able to read the second

  identification codes 11. Thus, this second identification code

  cation 10 is either grabbed by an operator in the multiplet

  associated with the first identification code 9, that is automatically

  placed in this multiplet by the mere fact of reading,

thanks to a computer automat.

  To verify the authenticity of the label, the buyer only has to supply the dedicated terminal 31 with the second identification code 10, for example using the alphanumeric keypad of his telephone, the terminal n having more than to go

  check if this code is stored in the identification table

  then provide the result of its verification. By way of non-limiting example, the response of the terminal to an interrogation may consist of a message of the "authentic code" type or "the code supplied corresponds to the product X of the Y mark". In the opposite case, that is to say when the second identification code, provided by the buyer, is not contained in the identification table, the displayed message may be of the "this code n" type. does not belong to the

list of authentic products ".

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the second identification code 10 may comprise two parts 10a and 10b respectively placed on each of the arms 3 and 4.

of the label.

  The bytes stored in the identification table then comprise the first part 10a of each second identification code and its second complementary part b. The authentication of the second identification code by the buyer then takes place as follows. Initially, the buyer provides the interrogator terminal the first part 10a of the code (here placed on the radial arm 3). In a second step, the interrogating terminal searches in the identification table if this first part of the second identification code is there. If this is not the case, the interrogating terminal provides a message of the type "ce".

  code does not belong to the list of authenticated products ".

  On the other hand, if this is the case, the interrogating terminal extracts from the identification table the second part 10b of the

  code associated with the first part 10a, provided by the

  and provides a message of the type "the code associated with the code

  provided (the first part 10a of the second identification code

  XYZ code, which code XYZ must be the second part 10b of the second identification code written on the radial arm 4 (framed by stars in the illustrated example). to compare the XYZ code provided by the interrogating terminal with the code placed

on the radial arm 4.

  In an installation variant (see FIG. 2), an interrogation terminal 31 may be provided at each point of sale,

  each terminal is then connected to the identification table.

  tion. Preferably, the second identification codes are random codes. They can be determined using a random code generation algorithm or using a technique similar or identical to that described with reference to the first identification code. These codes can

be alphanumeric.

  Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the second identification code may include a serial number or a vintage 11, so that the code forming the first part of a second identification code can be reused all years, or according to another frequency, or for certain types of products. This makes it possible to reduce the number of digits and / or letters of these codes. Of course, in this case, the buyer who wishes to verify the second identification code will have to provide the terminal

  interrogator the first part 10a of the second identification code

fication and the vintage 11.

  The second identification codes are preferably made using specific inks and in particular security inks so as to make it even more difficult.

their falsification.

  Another essential feature of the invention lies in the very constitution of the support forming the label. This support must be of a low price, light, relatively flexible, of a very low weight, and especially it must be able to be irreversibly altered, either in case of attempt of take-off, or in case of attempt of suppression or modification at least one of the elements that are placed on its upper face, whether it is the main distinctive element 5, the first identification code 9, or any other element such as the elements

  additional distinctive features 6, 7 and 8 or the second identification code

tification 10.

  Moreover, such a support must be relatively easy to

  to print, and to have a pleasant appearance, especially when

  that it is associated with luxury products.

  The Applicant has found that polystyrene is a product particularly well suited to producing labels according to the invention. It is indeed possible to realize

  supports with a thickness between 10 and 500 μm (half

  crons), and in particular between 50 and 80 pm, this last thickness range making it possible to obtain good flexibility and the characteristic of alteration desired in the event of attempted removal. Polystyrene offers the advantage of

tear easily.

  Polystyrene which is a resin may optionally be combined with other resins and / or additives, these having the advantage of allowing, in case of doubt, high quality authentication, by analysis, for example by chromatography . For example, it is possible to use different support compositions according to the vintage 11l or the serial number of the second identification code, or else

  according to the type of first identification code.

  Moreover, such a support 1 can incorporate a watermark,

thanks to an extrusion process.

  Preferably, once the attributes (first identification code)

  9, main distinguishing sign 5, possibly

  additional distinctive signs 6-8 and second identification code

  10, 11) placed on the upper face of the support, is deposited on the entire thereof a transparent and indecollable protective film. This film makes it possible, on the one hand, to prevent the attributes of the label from being worn out by friction or shock, and on the other hand, that these attributes can not be modified or deleted. To do this, one can use a rolling technique, also known

  under the name of "complexing". A film, also made of polystyrene

  ne, about 12 Mm, can be used, for example.

  So that the label can be altered more easily in case of attempted removal (or take-off), it is possible to provide points of weakness on the periphery of its support 1, for example at the level of the connection between its central portion 2 and its radial arms 3 and 4 (in the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1). Such points of weakness can be made in the form, in particular, micro-notches or micro-notches. They are preferably formed after the deposition of the film, when it is provided. The additional features of the invention, which have

  described above do not only concern the installation of

  identification and labels. These characteristics also concern the identification process of which he has

been questioned previously.

  Thus (see FIG. 3), when it is desired to use second identification codes 10 to enable a buyer to verify the authenticity of a product, the steps and 120 of the process must be completed as follows: - provide all the label media 1 of a second identification code 10 (step 125), the codes being different from one label medium to another; and - store each second identification code 10 in the multiplet of the identification table, which is associated with the

  first identification code 9 carried on the support-label

  quette 1 comprising the second identification code (step). Step 150 is in fact supplemented by the fact that complementary access to the identification table is authorized for authentication of the tag by means of its second identification code; such accesses can be made in the form of the interrogation terminal 31 (described above) which can possibly be placed in a point of sale 24, but which is more preferably accessible to

  distance by a phone call.

  Furthermore, a step 118 may be provided between steps 115 and 120, when a film is to be deposited on the upper face of the support, after placement of the attributes of the label. Unlike current labels which comprise only an encrypted code whose security level is a function of the code generation algorithm and the encryption marking technique, the tags according to the invention

  have a multiplicity of elements and characteristics

  which make their typing extremely difficult and which, moreover, make it possible to identify instantly the products, to which they are irremovably associated, with a class of products, such as the class of products.

luxury products.

  The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It encompasses all the variants that

* develop the skilled person in the context of the claims

  below. Thus, the shape of the label may be completely different from that illustrated in Figure 1. It may in particular be in the form of a polygonal element, such as for example a parallelepiped (square or rectangle) or

a triangle.

  Furthermore, the distinctive element and the first identification code may be located in the same area, superimposed. The same goes for the

  other distinctive elements and for the second identification code

  when these are foreseen. On the other hand, the first identification code

  have a bar code, for example of the type EAN13.

  Then, there is described an embodiment of the identification codes, non-limiting, by ink jets (special or not). However, other embodiments can be envisaged, for example by the one using a laser technique, which makes it possible to obtain a very high resolution.

Fine.

  Finally, the distinctive elements implanted on the labels are preferably made using specific inks and in particular safety inks. However, this condition is not essential, since it provides only additional protection against copies and / or falsifications.

Claims (23)

claims   1. Label of the type comprising a support (1) provided on an upper face with a distinctive element (5), and on a lower face of adhesive means allowing its association with a product, characterized in that said support (1) and said distinctive element (5) has a shape and an aspect chosen so as to allow direct identification, in particular visual identification, of the product to a class of products, in that said support (1) comprises on its upper face a first code identification key (9) for an access to an identification table comprising a set of first distinct identification codes to each of which it makes   correspond to a multiplet of data comprising an identifi-   a product of said class and the designation of at least one authorized holder of said product, and in that said support (5) is made of a material chosen so that once associated with a product it can not to be transferred to another product without substantial alteration of the medium and at least one of the first identification code (9) and the distinctive element (5). 2. Label according to claim 1, characterized in that said first identification code (9) is illegible for the human eye.   3. Label according to claim 2, characterized in that said first identification code (9) is produced by a combination technique of "points", in particular a technique selected from the techniques called   "Data Matrix", "Dot Code" and "Snowflake".   4. Label according to one of claims 2 and 3,   characterized in that said first identification code (9) is formed on said support (1) with a selected ink adapted to react to a wavelength light   chosen, especially an infra-red light.   5. Label according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized   in that said first identification code (9) is random type.   6. Label according to claim 5, characterized in that said first identification code (9) is the result of an algorithm for generating alphanumeric combinations.   Random random draws among a multiplicity of algorithms.   7. Label according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized   in that the support (1) is made of a polystyrene-type material and has a thickness of between about 10 μm and about 500 μm, in particular between 50 μm. and 80 Mm.   8. Label according to claim 7, characterized in that said material comprises additives and / or another resin as polystyrene.   9. Label according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized   in that the support (1) has a watermark.   10. Label according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized   in that the distinctive element (5) is a hologram.   11. Label according to one of claims 1 to 10,   characterized in that said support (1) has on its upper face additional distinctive elements (6-8), in particular a mark representative of the product and / or the maker.   12. Label according to claim 11, characterized in that said additional distinctive elements (6-8) are formed on said support (1) with a chosen ink whose color varies according to the orientation of said support .   13. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said support (1) further comprises on its upper face a second identification code (10), readable by the human eye, and forming access key to said identification table, each multiplet comprises for this purpose a second identification code, so that a prospective purchaser can verify the authenticity of the labeled product, provided with said second identification code, by   interrogation of a terminal connected to said identification table   fication. 14. Label according to claim 13, characterized in that said second identification code (10) comprises two distinct parts, a first part (10a) intended to feed said terminal for the purpose of authentication, and a   second part (10b) intended to be compared with a code-   response provided by said terminal following the interrogation of the identification table, said response code being identical   said second part when said label is authentically tick.   15. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the first identification code (9) has a barcode.   16. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the upper face of said support (1)   is fully coated with a transparent protective film   immovable, after the deposit of at least the said first code   identification (9) and said distinctive sign (5).   17. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said support (1) has on its periphery at least one point of weakness suitable to allow its decomposition into several parts in case of attempt to   detachment of the product with which it is associated.   18. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that said support (1) is formed of a substantially circular central portion (2) radially extended by two substantially rectangular opposing portions (3,4), said central portion (2) comprising a   at least part of said distinctive element (5).   19. Label according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the shape and the distinctive element (5) of said support (1) are identical regardless of the product   identified in said identification table.   20. A method of identifying products, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:   - provide a label holder (1) with an underside   of adhesive means and on an upper face of a distinctive element (5), said label carrier and said distinctive element having a selected shape and appearance,   and said label carrier (1) being irremovable without alteration   sensible feeling; - providing the upper face of said label carrier (1) with a first identification code; storing each first identification code in an identification table; - Fix said label carrier to a product belonging to a class of products;   - store in said identification table, in correspondence   each first identification code, a byte comprising at least one identifier of the labeled product belonging to the said class and the designation of at least one holder entitled to hold the said labeled product;   - make available at least one access to the identification table   fication. 21. The method of claim 20, characterized in that   it understands, just before the step of fixing the support-   label on the product, an additional step in   which is deposited on the upper face of said support-   label a transparent protective film, irremovable.   22. Identification installation of products associated with   labels according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized   ridiculous in that it includes a multiplicity of readers of   portable data to read the first identification codes.   placed on the labels and to be interrogated   said identification table with a first identification code   reading to obtain at least a portion of the information stored in the associated multiplet to this first code read.   23. Installation according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises at least one interrogation terminal connected to said identification table and clean, firstly, to be fed with a first part of the second code of identification placed on the label of a product to be authenticated, secondly, to interrogate said identification table with said first part received so as to extract a second part associated with said first part in the corresponding byte, and thirdly, to provide said extracted second portion so that it can compare it to the second part of the second identification code placed on said label.