WO2017109512A1

WO2017109512A1 - Label applicator, labelling system, label and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017109512A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/054068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve COOKE; Pavel BASKAKOVS
Original assignee: Now 2 Now Limited
Priority date: 2015-12-24
Filing date: 2016-12-23
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Also published as: GB201522872D0

Abstract

A label applicator, labelling system and method are disclosed. The label applicator (10) is configured to be applied to a surface of an item to be labelled. The label applicator (10) includes a mask (4000) that is separable from the label applicator (10). The label applicator (10) is configured to direct passage of a mark onto the surface of the item and, upon separation, the label applicator directing the mask (4000) over the mark to thereby form a label.

Description

Label Applicator, Labelling System, Label and Method

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a label applicator, label, a labelling system and method that are particularly applicable for use in authenticating the ownership and provenance of physical objects.

Background to the Invention

The problems of authenticity, provenance and ownership arise in all business sectors and walks of life. Wills may be contested; artworks forged; luxury handbags counterfeited; vehicle log books tampered with. In all cases, the value of the object in question is affected.

In many cases, the issues of authenticity, provenance and ownership (henceforward referred to simply as 'provenance'] can not only secure value but can also increase it. If a buyer is reassured that the person selling a print by a famous artist is really who they say they are and has genuine right of ownership and the right to sell, they can be more confident of the potential value of the transaction. If the seller is also a noted celebrity, the fact of their prior ownership will actually increase the value of the transaction. Embodiments of the present invention have applications for items in multiple market sectors and product categories, from legal documents to clothing. However, for the sake of example only, the remainder of this application will focus on the application of labels to an artist's paper edition print (referred to henceforth as an 'artwork']. This particular use case is chosen because it is one of the most complex in real life and therefore serves to best illustrate the flexibility of the invention and its potential applicability in other areas. However, it will be appreciated that the principles described are applicable to other objects including those of 2D and 3D in form.

There have been many attempts to date to authenticate artworks. Most of these attempts involve a combination of methods, none of which is particularly secure in itself but, when taken together, provide some added reassurance. It should obviously be remembered, however, that a combination of insecure approaches cannot, however convincing, support an irrefutable conclusion.

Artists sign their works and the style of their signature, its position, the implement used and other factors are all taken into account when attempting to 'verify' a signature. It is generally not

SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26 possible, however, even with the most stringent analysis, to conclusively prove the provenance of a signature alone.

In addition to, or instead of a signature, stamps, embosses and other markings are often employed. Again, these may help an informed authority to express an opinion, but are not conclusive.

In recent years, the rise of more advanced covert technologies such as infra-red up-converting security inks, DNA taggants, and UV reveals have been proposed or employed to authenticate artworks. The challenge here is to apply the security package to the artwork without compromising it

This is the 'archival' problem and it breaks down into a number of discrete issues. First, removability. Where any item is applied to an artwork, it must be removable for conservation reasons. This is because artworks become damaged and the processes to restore them can involve invasive processes such as solvent baths (eg to remove fingerprints], very high pressure and moisture treatments (eg to remove creases].

Any conventional label applied to a work must therefore be removed during archival (for example, leaving a label in place when applying pressure can create an 'impress' on the artwork that affects its value]. However, any true authenticating label must NOT be removed as the association between the label and the artwork is then compromised.

In some cases, taggants can be added directly to a work. For example, you could 'dust' the reverse of an artwork with a DNA or other taggant. But in these cases, the taggant is somewhat exposed to the elements, to tampering, and to gradual deterioration over time. This impacts on the second archival issue, durability. The intention is for artworks to last a great many years.

To address issues of durability and removability, there are numerous proposed systems on the market that involve 'tagging' in some way the actual materials used by the artist. For example, you can modify a paint or ink by adding a security taggant and the artist can then use that material in their work. Similarly, materials or security markings that use microtext, microdots or other microscopic elements (for example, solutions similar to the 'Smart Water' product used in theft deterrence] can be added to the artwork. This can work well, but it fails the readability test outlined later in this document. The archival problem also covers issues of consequential damage. In some cases, security solutions compromise the actual work. Some applied labels, adhesives or inks may physically damage the work over time, causing irremovable stains. Acetic acid, aldehydes and sulphur dioxide are examples of damaging agents, causing all sorts of problems including mount burns, foxing (small brown spots], fading of pigments or darkening and increasing brittleness of the paper.

As well as addressing the problems above, a good solution must also offer each of the following simultaneously: simplicity, scalability, readability and robustness.

Simplicity means that it should be easily applicable by an untrained person in a manner that does not compromise their existing workflow. Many current solutions need skill and care to apply.

Scalability means that it should be as practical and affordable to employ for an edition of 5000 prints as it is for a single artwork. This means it must be low-cost, quick to apply, and able to be deployed in high volumes, while at the same time confirming with the other requirements listed here.

Readability means that it must be easily verifiable. There is no point in having a security solution that requires expensive equipment or cumbersome processes to verify its provenance or to access the provenance information it refers to. Finally, it goes without saying that a system should be robust: it should be difficult if not impossible to defeat

Statement of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label applicator configured to be applied to a surface of an item to be labelled, the label applicator including a mask that is separable from the label applicator, wherein the label applicator is configured to direct passage of a mark onto the surface of the item and, upon separation, the label applicator directing the mask over the mark to thereby form a label. The label applicator may include a stencil having a pattern, first areas of the pattern being configured to block passage of a mark, when applied, onto the surface of the item and second areas of the pattern being configured to allow passage of the mark, when applied, whereby only portions of the mark in the second areas are applied to the surface of the item.

The label applicator may include a mark guide configured to direct orientation of a marking device when applying the mark to the surface of the item via the label applicator. The mark guide may be physical (so requiring a specific orientation] and/or printed (in the form or instructions, alignment markers etc].

The label applicator may include a stencil holding marking material and being configured to apply a predetermined mark by the marking material according to the stencil to the surface of the item upon application of the stencil to the item. The marking material may be encapsulated, integrated or encapsulated and integrated into the stencil.

The mask may be configured to adhere to the surface of the item. The mask preferably includes a plurality of adhesive layers or adhesive types selected, patterned, mixed or formed to be identifiable.

The adhesive layers may have predetermined varying thicknesses and/or coverage. Preferably, the label applicator is configured for a single use.

The label applicator may include a body and a removeable insert, the insert including the mask, wherein the body being configured to receive and position the insert for directing the mask over the mark during labelling.

The label applicator may include a positioning guide to aid positioning of the label on the surface of the item.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a labelling system including the above label applicator and a remote data repository, the remote data repository being configured to store data on the label applicator to identify a label applied using the applicator.

The remote data repository may further include data on information selected from a set including:

Information on the item, Information on when the label was applied, information on where the label was applied, information on where on the item the label was applied, information on the creator of the item, information on the owner of the item. Preferably, the label includes a unique identifier, the remote data repository cross-referencing the data via the unique identifier. The unique identifier may be associated with the mark, mask or both or different unique identifiers may be used for each.

The labelling system may further comprise a user device configured to communicate with the remote data repository during labelling of the item to populate data in the data repository.

The labelling system may further comprise a plurality of label applicators, each label applicator being distinguishable from the others, the user device being configured to receive instructions from the remote data repository on the label applicator to be used for labelling and including a user interface to output instructions to the user on the label applicator to be used.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label comprising a mark having a predetermined pattern and a mask applied over the mark, the mask being removable, wherein the mask has an identifier which is associated with the predetermined pattern in a remote database.

The predetermined pattern may have an identifier which is associated with the mask in a remote database. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of labelling an item, comprising: causing a mark applied to the item to have a predetermined pattern; and protecting the mark by overlaying a layer over at least a substantial part of the applied mark, the layer being uniquely associated with the pattern, the layer being removable from the item whilst leaving the mark in place. In one embodiment, a labelling system includes a label applicator, the label applicator including a stencil arranged to allow passage of a mark therethrough, the label applicator further including a mask, wherein the applicator is arranged to be applied to a surface of an item to be labelled whereupon the stencil is against the surface, at least a portion of a mark applied to the stencil being communicated onto the surface of the item, the mask being applicable over the mark to thereby form a label.

In another embodiment, a label comprises a mark having a predetermined pattern and a mask applied over the mark, the mask being removable, wherein the mask has an identifier which is associated with the predetermined pattern in a remote database.

In another embodiment, a method of labelling an item, comprises: causing a mark applied to the item to have a predetermined pattern; and protecting the mark by overlaying a layer over at least a substantial part of the applied mark, the layer being uniquely associated with the pattern, the layer being removable from the item whilst leaving the mark in place.

The layer may be the mask described elsewhere in this application.

In preferred embodiments, a label applicator is used. The label applicator is preferably an assembly designed to enable the user to use one or more of the other components to apply the label to an item such as an artwork.

Counterfoils may also be used. A counterfoil is formed from one or more entities which may be embodied as digital files, RFID or NFC tags, written or printed documents or items capable of being printed or written on, stub extensions to the mask or applicator, tags, fobs or

combinations thereof and which are provided together with or separately to the other components and which in addition to their own unique identity also store, point to or are otherwise verifiably associated with the unique identities of the other components and the artwork and any information related thereto.

The stencil and/or mask may be removable parts of the applicator. Preferably, the applicator is adhereable or otherwise mountable or has features to retain it in place against the item during labelling. In a preferred embodiment, a stamp and marking material such as ink or other dye or taggant may be used to apply the mark. The stamp and/or marking material may be unique. Preferably, the applicator has a single time use. Preferably, the mask is uniquely identifiable. Preferably, the mask is removable from the item, removal leaving the mark in place on the surface. Preferably, the mask can be refreshed by removal and subsequent application of another mask in its place over the mark. In this way, the mask can be removed during archival processes and a new mask applied afterwards to reestablish the label.

When acquiring an artwork, there are two key issues for the buyer:

# Is the artwork as described i.e. by the attributed artist and in conformance with any other origination parameters (e.g. the date of creation; if an edition print, a unique edition copy that falls within the stated edition size - i.e. the print number does not exceed the edition size]?

# Is the seller authorised to sell the artwork?

The embodiments described herein provide a means of satisfactorily addressing both these issues by enabling a seller to label an artwork in such a way that the label cannot be transferred to another work or copied and/or to generate an uncopiable verifiable counterfoil so that the label and/or a counterfoil either jointly or separately can provide:

# a means of identifying the artwork;

# optionally, a means of associating a label and a counterfoil;

# a means of accessing further information associated with the work and/or the seller, by way of the label and/or a counterfoil.

The identification can be carried out by various means including, for the sake of example only, analysis of label components for example security taggant compounds, UV reflective elements, ink types, paper composition and constituents (e.g. security fibres, adhesive mixes],

watermarked images and other printed or displayed materials, analysis of printed elements and designs etc. It is one of the features of embodiments of the present invention that it provides, by including and combining multiple physical and digital elements and information access routes as detailed below, multiple opportunities for configuring the components either collectively or individually to use different security measures compounds constituent materials digital encryption etc.

The further information accessed (' the artwork record'] can include for the sake of example only: when it was created, by whom, its dimensions and composition, method of installation, images of the work, the artist, the owner and other work related entities, historic events related to the work (change of ownership and related information, exhibition, restoration, reframing, repair, loan, consignment], and possibly also comments and dialogue about the work. Elements of the further information may also be verifiable. For example, the artwork record can include a digital signature generated using a key encryption method such that the signature can be irrefutably linked to the signing authority - for example, the artist, gallery, restorer, transporter or other entity associated with the work and who has used the labelling system herein described to enter and digitally sign a statement related to the artwork and/or associated events. Information regarding the owner of the artwork specified in the record may also be verifiable by similar means.

The further information may be accessed directly from the label itself by way of a displayed identity e.g. an alphanumeric code for entry into a processing system a barcode or other visual data encoding method and/or via an embedded RFID or NFC component, any of which can either hold the information itself in whole or in part or a pointer to it, such as a parameterised URL which may be static or dynamic, which would enable the retrieval of information in whole or in part from a local or remote device or via a peer to peer connection with another user of the service and/or their respective device. Information may also be accessed in like manner through the use of a counterfoil. Users may use their own connected devices to access the information for example by tapping or otherwise interacting with an RFID or NFC component, scanning a barcode, entering a code or URL etc.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to address the issues identified above. Embodiments seek to provide a security device which is removable, durable, is arranged to avoid

consequential damage to the subject it is applied to. Embodiments also seek to provide a security system and method that apply the same or similar principles (note that the system and method may apply use the security device or may use or produce a different security device which has characteristics in common with the security device or in common with the way in which the security device is applied. In preferred embodiments, components of a label (a mark and a mask] are identifiable and linked in a database in a remote repository against the item labelled so that it can later be checked for authenticity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 a is an illustration of a label applicator according to one embodiment;

Figure 2b is an exploded schematic diagram of an applicator according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 c is an exploded view of an applicator according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 is an illustration of a label applied to a surface according to one embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a counterfoil according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 is an illustration of another label applicator according to an embodiment;

Figures 6a and 6b are, respectively, an illustration and an exploded view of a label applicator according to an embodiment;

Figure 7 illustrates a number of label applicators ready for distribution according to an embodiment;

Figure 8 illustrates a positioning tool for use with label applicators in one embodiment;

Figure 9 illustrates a label applicator for use with the positioning tool of Figure 8;

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the label applicator of Figure 9 and positioning tool of Figure 8 in use;

Figure 12 is an illustration of a part of a label applicator according to one embodiment;

Figure 13 illustrates a stencil design suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 1 illustrates a stamp design suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention; and,

Figure 15 is an exploded view of a label applicator according to another embodiment Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a labelling system according to one embodiment.

The labelling system 100 includes a label applicator 10 (described in detail below] and a remote data repository 110. The remote data repository 110 store data on the label applicator 100 to identify a label applied using the applicator. Preferably, the remote data repository 110 also includes data that may include some or all of: Information on the item, Information on when the label was applied, information on where the label was applied, information on where on the item the label was applied, information on the creator of the item, information on the owner of the item.

Preferably, the label includes a unique identifier, the remote data repository 110 cross- referencing the data via the unique identifier. In one embodiment, the system includes a user device 120 configured to communicate with the remote data repository during labelling of the item to populate data in the data repository.

In one embodiment, there may be a plurality of label applicators 10, each label applicator 10 being distinguishable from the others, the user device 120 being configured to receive instructions from the remote data repository on the label applicator to be used for labelling and including a user interface to output instructions to the user on the label applicator to be used.

In Figure 1: 110 is a remote data repository containing, or capable of access to via other remote devices, information and executable processes relating to the system.

120 is a connected device for example a smartphone, tablet or PC which may be associated with the owner of the artwork 45 - note that in this document the word Owner' is taken to mean either the owner and/or a third party authorised by the owner to act on their behalf in respect of the artwork. This device presents a user interface to the owner which enables them to label an artwork as described below.

20 is the owner of the artwork 45.

10a is a sheet of label applicators 10, supplied to the owner by the provider of the service and where the unique identity of each applicator has been stored on the remote data repository 110 and associated in that system with the owner (it is preferred that applicators are pre-registered, although they could be registered at the time of application]. The label applicator is further described below. When the owner 20 wishes to label an artwork 45 with a label 40, they interact with the user interface of their device 120 which determines, following communication with the remote data repository or otherwise, which applicator belonging to the owner is unused and then informs the user to select such applicator by reference to an identifying mark or other identity thereon for use in labelling the artwork. Information relating to the artwork may have been previously provided or may be entered by the user on their device and stored locally on their device and/or on the remote data repository. It will be appreciated that this not need be real-time and an advance request may be made and label applicator provided or alternatively the label and artwork information could be provided after labelling .

The owner then removes the specified applicator 10' from the sheet 10a and uses it in conjunction with the stencil and marking material 70 as described below to apply the label to an item such as an artwork.

At any point where the owner wishes to transfer the ownership of the artwork to a buyer 55, they select the artwork record on their device 120 or via some other means so as to update the remote data repository 110 with the buyer's details including, for example, address, mobile number etc on the system. They may also request the generation of a counterfoil 60, as described below.

If the owner is in possession of a counterfoil and/or if the artwork being sold has been labelled, the buyer may use their local device 50 to access and/or verify information associated with the owner or the artwork by accessing information from the artwork record via the counterfoil and/or label as described above including by interaction between their local device and an NFC or RFID tag 65 provided with the counterfoil.

The remote data repository preferably stores label data, preferably for all the various components relating to taggants, physical construction etc. It may also optionally store label application data - location, time, position on artwork etc, artwork (object/document/car/teddy bear] data, artist (manufacturer/originator/creator] data, owner data and 'counterfoil'

(certificate /ticket/contract] data

This provides some opportunities for verification, even if the label is compromised. For example, if the label is transferred from one work to another, the seller would still have to prove that they were the owner of the work, effectively reducing the opportunity for fraud. They would also have to somehow recreate the mark.

Actual 'registration' - ie the association of a label to a specific artwork - can happen at any time prior to a transfer of ownership, but clearly the quality of the data is liable to be decay over time if not properly recorded.

The local device (s] preferably are units including a processor, memory and communication module, wherein the processor is arranged to provide at least a user experience for the person applying, verifying or otherwise modifying the label or any one of its component parts or the associated artwork and/or any party associated with that artwork by means of a transaction or otherwise and which may either on its own or in communication with the remote data repository determine, record, associate, retrieve, modify or otherwise process the identifiers of the components and/or any information arising from the processes described herein.

The remote data repository may be a server connect to the Internet, or any other system capable of receiving, storing, and processing information related to the labels and their associated artworks. Where a user wishes to label multiple artworks, applicators can be supplied in a delivery package. Each applicator is preferably laid down on a sheet which may include a siliconised surface to which the applicator adheres by using its low tack adhesive layer 10000.

Preferably, each applicator 10 is also attached to the sheet using a void tape or similar construct that may also further secure the applicator to the sheet and may also by sealing the applicator prevent anyone separating the upper and lower halves, thereby preventing access to the stencil or the mask within without removing or degrading the applicator. In such a case, a void message or other irreversible state change may take place to provide irrefutable evidence of the actions taken.

In the described embodiments, end users are primarily sellers and buyers of artworks, although it will be appreciated that items from other fields may have different intended end users. As an example of the use case relating one embodiment of the invention, a user would: 1. communicate their intention to label a work to the remote data repository and receive instructions to select a specific applicator from amongst those in their possession

2. retrieve the applicator and place it on the artwork

3. take the stamp and (if for example a self-inking stamp] stamp the stencil, transferring the unique mark to the artwork

4. tear off the stencil portion from the applicator or fold it back to enable the mask portion to be brought into contact with the artwork surface

5. remove a release paper from the mask portion

6. fold over the mask portion to bring its adhesive face into contact with the artwork

surface, registered - by virtue of the applicator physical design and in particular the dimensions A and B (discussed later] - with the position of the unique mark.

In selected embodiments, each applicator 10 is provided for the purpose of enabling a secure multi-part label to be applied to an artwork, such a label including an identifying mark optionally created by means of a stencil by a stamp applying a marking compound and a mask that seals the identifying mark by virtue of one or more adhesive layers.

The system may optionally also include other components including the local devices, remote data repository and one or more counterfoils.

The described system and label use components individually or in various combinations and result in a unique identifying construct (the 'label'] to be applied to an artwork. Optionally, the label may be subsequently used in combination with one or more of the other components to authenticate the artwork and/or a transaction and/or transacting party associated with that artwork.

The marking material may be an ink, a security taggant, a dye, or any other solution or combination of materials or process which when applied to an artwork causes an identifiable mark or other artwork material modification (a 'mark'] to be created.

The term "stamp" is used by way of example only and is used to indicate a means of transferring the marking material to the artwork in a distinctive pattern that may be unique to the stamp, its owner, the issuer of the stamp, the artwork, the stamping event, time of day, location or any combination thereof. Examples of stamps include but are not limited to heat, light or pressure activated transfers, rubber stamps, metal stamps or dyes, rollers, embossing tools, printing plates or screens, beds and other impressing and printing systems.

An example of a label applicator and its method of use and features is given in Figures 2a and 2b. This example uses an applicator in the form of a folding structure that incorporates both a mask assembly and a stencil. In this embodiment, the mask is held in place for application to the artwork by a low tack adhesive and registration of the mask with the mark is carried out by folding the label part over onto the artwork after applying the mark. One example label applicator 10 is illustrated in Figure 2a. In this example, the applicator 10 is shown with stencil area and mask area visible. The stencil has not been patterned in the illustration but would be patterned before provision to the customer. In this example, the stencil is torn off after applying the stamp, so that the flap with the mask can be folded over and registered on the mark left by the stencil/stamp.

One example form of a label applicator 10 is shown in exploded view in Figure 2b, although it will be appreciated that the label applicator and its features may take many forms and combinations, example ones of which are described later in this document The applicator 10 includes a first/upper half 1000 and a second/lower half 2000. The two halves may be a part of a single piece of material to be folded in half or may be produced separately.

Either or both of the first or the second halves optionally has a means of attachment to the other which in this instance is shown as an adhesive layer 6000 applied to the uppermost surface at D of the lower half 2000 and enabling it to be adhered to the inner surface at C of the upper half.

When the applicator is placed on the artwork, the lower surface of the second half 2000 may be temporarily held in place on the artwork by virtue of a low-tack adhesive, non-slip coating or other similarly functional layer 10000. The upper half of the applicator can then be folded upwards and this is facilitated by perforations and/or cuts and/or printed lines at 7000, while the two halves remain bonded at their surfaces C and D.

In order to apply the label, the user first takes the stamp (not shown] and applies it to item through the stencil 9500 by way of the aperture 11000. In this case, the stencil is created by adhering a film or other material (the 'stencil material'] 9000 to the underside of the second half 2000 by means of an adhesive layer 8000.

The stencil material may be cut or made permeable in such a way as to enable the transfer of the marking material from the stamp via the stencil to the surface of the artwork. Alternatively or additionally it may also by virtue of additional compounds infused encapsulated or otherwise integrated into the stencil material cause a modification of either or both of the marking material or the artwork material or a mark to be applied to the artwork independently of or in conjunction with the action of the stamp and/or the marking material.

The stencil material may be cut, marked, made permeable or otherwise modified in order to enable the above either before, during or after its inclusion in the applicator. Such modifications may also be used to register the stencil material during assembly of the applicator or during the labelling process.

During the process of applying the mark, the applicator preferably remains held in place by the adhesive layer 10000 while the user employs the stencil 9500 and marking material (not shown] to apply a unique mark to the artwork. On completion of the process of applying the mark, the portion of the applicator holding the stencil may be removed or folded out of the way in order to facilitate the application of the mask 4000.

The removal or folding away of the portion of the applicator holding the stencil may be facilitated by a perforation, cut or marks 7500 perhaps in conjunction with a tab attached to or forming part of the detachable portion.

After stamping, ink residue may be left on the upper surface of the stencil. To avoid this causing damage or inconvenience, a cover may be provided either separately or by way of an extension to the applicator assembly which can then be adhered or attached to the upper side of the detachable portion of the second half to shield the user and his/her environment from the ink residue.

Once the mark has been applied to the artwork and the stencil portion removed, the mask is then applied over the mark and adhered to the artwork. By ensuring that distance A is equal to distance B, the user can then detach a release liner 5000 from the mask 4000, revealing the mask's adhesive coated face 4500 which may include of one or more adhesive layers printed on top of each other either pervasively or in part and where such layers may differ in composition colour adhesion and other qualities. The user then simply folds over the first upper half 1000 so that it presses down on the artwork. The mask preferably has an adhesive face 4500 that adheres to the work. The applicator upper half can now be lifted from the artwork and the strength of the adhesive 4500 ensures that the mask is released from its low-tack application adhesive 3000 and left in situ on the work, registered in respect to the mark. Both portions of the applicator can now be disposed of.

Although transferring a mask to the artwork can be accomplished by holding the mask on a low- tack adhesive layer and then, when the mask's higher tack adhesive grips the artwork, peeling off the applicator leaving the mask in place, it can also be accomplished by perforation. An example of this shown in Figure 2c, where an applicator body 1000 is attached via an adhesive 1001 to a sheet of mask material 4000 that includes a perforated disk to which adhesive 4500 and a release liner 5000 have been applied. When the mask's adhesive layer 4500 is exposed by removing the release liner 5000, the user presses the applicator 1000 down onto the artwork and then peels the applicator off. The mask's adhesive 4500 grips the artwork strongly enough to break the perforations, leaving the mask 4000 in place on the artwork. The advantage of this approach is that it enables the user to more easily and visually align a mask (since the latter may be translucent] with a mark before applying it

In another example, the applicator may be square in format and the stencil is folded out of the way before folding down the flap with the mask. This latter method enables the stencil inked surface to be sealed against the applicator surface, minimising the risk of transferring wet ink to the operator's fingers.

In one embodiment, there is provided a labelling system that includes a label applicator (such as that represented in Figure 2). The label applicator includes a stencil 9500 having a number of cut-outs, holes and/or other features arranged to allow passage of a mark. The label applicator further includes a mask 4000. The mask may optionally include multiple adhesive layers 4500. The applicator is arranged to be applied to a surface of an item to be labelled. When applied, the stencil is against the surface and at least a portion of a mark applied to the stencil is

communicated onto the surface of the item, the cut-outs, holes and/or other features of the stencil determining the portion of the mark communicated. The stencil is then removed from the surface and the mask is applied over the mark to thereby label it

The stencil is preferably a means of adding or removing variable information to the mark made by the stamp and the marking material by virtue of its being inserted between the stamp and the artwork.

The stencil also could include or be entirely constructed as a transfer where the stencil markers are variously patterned and adhered to the stencil and then transferred during or independently of the stamping process to the artwork by means of the application of or exposure to heat, pressure, electrical current or light optionally of a specific wavelength.

The marking material may be applied to the stamp in a transfer format, where it is adhered to the stamp and released when pressure and/or heat is applied, or by using a pad or reservoir for the marking material which pad or reservoir may be integral to or separate from the stamp. It may alternatively or additionally be applied to the stencil and application of the stamp may cause transfer of the marking material from the stencil to the item.

Preferably, the marking material is applied to the artwork via the stencil by applying the stamp coated, imbued, charged or filled with marking material to the stencil.

The mask preferably includes of one or more layers of material and may be placed on top of the marks created by the above or elsewhere. It may be paper, film or some other material of uniform or varying opacity or a combination thereof. It may be printed upon, securely tagged with taggant materials, or otherwise modified.

The adhesive layers are preferably applied to the mask and used to secure it to the artwork, They consist of one or more layers of the same or different adhesive mixes where a mix is applied in varying thicknesses or coverage ('patterned'] and one or more layers where a mix is applied evenly ('unpatterned']. The advantage of the combination is to introduce adhesive distribution variability without compromising adhesion.

Where two layers of adhesive are required, one layer can be applied to the mask by printing for example by screen, flexographic or other suitable process and then a second pervasive layer can be laminated directly on top. This process may be costly. In some cases, it is more useful to print adhesive layer images onto release liners. These liners can then be applied in sequence to the mask material and then stripped off again, effectively acting to transfer adhesive components without corrupting those already laid down, building up multiple layers of patterned adhesives before or after applying a pervasive layer.

In preferred embodiments, the applicator is an assembly designed to enable the user to use one or more of the other components to apply the label to the artwork. Amongst other benefits, applicators also assist the user to: register the mask accurately over the mark; position labels consistently across multiple artworks; and apply the mask more easily in cases where the mask material is extremely thin and fragile.

An example of an applied label according to one embodiment is shown in Figure 3.

Here, the mark 500 is in the form of the artist's signature on the artwork. The mask 4000, which in this case is paper, preferably has a degree of opacity which allows the signature and mark to be visible.

One or both of the mask 4000 and mark 500 preferably includes a machine readable element 700. One or both of the mask 4000 and mark 500 preferably includes a human readable element 800. It will be appreciated that different or common machine and human readable elements may be used if both the mask and mark include them.

On encountering a label, a user may enter the human readable element into their local device or scan the machine readable element in order to view information relating to the artwork, for example via a web page or within a mobile device application or other process. Some information may be privileged and it may be necessary for a user to authenticate themselves via one or more processes.

Because the label is preferably constructed of multiple layers: the mark, the adhesives, and the paper - it is better suited to conservation purposes than conventional labels. A conservator may remove the paper mask and its adhesive, leaving the mark. Due to the association of the mark with the mask at the time it was applied to the work, this association can be later replicated or substituted. For example, the mask may be removed during conservation as described above. Due to knowledge of the association of mask to mark, even though the original mask was destroyed, a replacement having the same identifiers can be acquired and re-applied in order to protect the mark and also reconstitute the label. It will be appreciated that the same mask identifiers need not be used - a different mask could be used as long as the mark to mask association in whatever database records is adjusted appropriately. Optionally, a conservator may be required to employ a dedicated applicator when restoring the work. Having removed the mask and carried out the restoration, the conservator may use an applicator and stamp not only to replace the mask, but also to modify the mark.

An artwork may be contained in a frame, rendering any label applied to it invisible to a potential buyer or other user. To cater for this, in one embodiment a counterfoil is created in respect of any artwork. The counterfoil may or may not be associated with a specific label. Its function is to enable access to and/or visibility of artwork information via the buyer or seller device.

For example, the system could generate a label containing an embedded NFC tag for placing on a frame. The NFC tag could have information either publicly accessible or accessible on completion of any necessary authentication processes that is linked to both the label on the artwork and the artwork information.

Counterfoils may be generated to provide innovative solutions to common problems. One such problem relates to so-called Certificates of Authenticity. These describe a work and are usually supplied by the artist or a third party, including some form of written affirmation regarding the provenance of the work. Such examples lack any means of authentication, are not specific to the owner, and are awkward or impossible to replace if lost or damaged as such replacement processes create opportunities for fraud.

The above described system enables application of a label to an artwork in such a way as create an irrefutable association between the label and the work. It optionally also enables the generation of a particular type of counterfoil that can serve as a Certificate of Authenticity. An example of such a counterfoil according to one embodiment is shown in Figure 4 where:

910: is an artist, art fair or gallery brand identity

900: is a secondary brand identity, for example showing the art fair where the artwork was sold 920: is a description of the artwork

930: is a machine readable code identifying the counterfoil record

940 is a hologram 950: is a void tape concealing an RFID or NFC tag and ownership transfer code

960: identifies the seller and the buyer (the new owner] of the work

The counterfoil may also list a set of historical transactions associated with the item. A counterfoil such as this can be generated using an on-line process, such that the counterfoil is physically produced remotely and then despatched if required to the new owner of the artwork. The NFC may contain encrypted data for example in an encrypted partition of a DESFire EV1 or similar NFC device which when read by a user's device is associated, by means of remote decryption on the remote device, with the identify of a label applied to an artwork. Given that the system described enables the irrefutable association of a label and an artwork and a secure and if digitally signed irrefutable association between a counterfoil and a label, a true 'Certificate of Authenticity' can be generated.

In all steps described herein, a user may be required not only to submit to multiple forms of authentication but may also be required to undergo human-effort identity verification and or to carry out such processes in a specific location as defined by geodata, GPS or Bluetooth LE interactions with their local device, by which means a secure, archival and flexible system of supporting claims to ownership, authenticity and provenance may be established. For example, an artist or other system user may be provided with an active or passive tag including for the sake of example an NFC or other RFID, Bluetooth or BLE, GSM or other solution capable of wireless communication with the user's local device or any other system component The tag may be encrypted or otherwise programmed to store the user's identity or other information that may be associated by the system with a specific mask, stencil, mark or artwork or any other system component or combination of components. The tag may be carried by the user and used as part of an authentication system to allow the user to associate a specific label or label component with a specific artwork or group of artworks. Alternatively or in addition a tag may be covertly or otherwise installed in a certain location for example an artist's studio so that certain system procedures for example the association of a specific label or set of labels with specific artworks or groups of artworks may only be carried out in that location.

At any time, a user may verify artwork, owner or counterfoil authenticity by 'tapping' the NFC or scanning the RFID with a suitable local device, which can then communicate with the remote data repository in order to provide or supplement the information being sought. In addition, if an owner wishes to sell the work, they need only update their information by signing into the system on their device and/or using the human readable elements of a label or counterfoil to call up the artwork record and/or to initiate the process. By entering the new owner's details (which information may be relayed to the new owner for their confirmation before the process can be completed] and optionally carrying out other operations for example removing the void tape 950 and entering the owner transfer code thereby revealed and optionally carrying out additional authentication processes, they can then arrange for a new counterfoil to be issued remotely and despatched to the new owner. Similarly, if the counterfoil has been lost stolen or damaged, the remote system can on receipt of notice by the owner invalidate it remotely such that any attempt to verify the counterfoil authenticity will fail when submitted to the remote system. Furthermore, the counterfoil can then be replaced with full confidence that there will only be one valid example in existence. The owner simply needs to follow a similar process to the above, removing the void strip (if they have it in their possession] or signing into the system and requesting the invalidation of the counterfoil and the issue of a new one, which will be remotely generated and despatched to them.

Another embodiment of a label applicator is shown in Figure 5. Here the same principles as described above apply - the user stamps the artwork through the stencil 9500, removes the stencil component 9000, and then registers the mask over the mark by folding over the part of the applicator 1000 holding the mask onto the artwork. The advantage of this embodiment is that the applicator as a whole is large enough to include ruler guide markings along its outer edges, assisting the user in placing labels in consistent positions on artworks.

For the sake of clarity, the function of the stencil 9500 is to effect a variable and optionally unique alteration to the mark as left on the artwork. Such variability could also be introduced by other means where the inclusion of a stencil is not required or desired. For example, in one embodiment the label applicator may include an aperture but no stencil. In this configuration, the aperture may be configured to allow the insertion of a stamp in one orientation only.

Variability of the mark between different applicators may be achieved in this arrangement by rotating orientation of the aperture, the mask then being applied as in other selected embodiments shown elsewhere, for example by folding over the flap. The mark may also be varied in other ways. An electronic stamp may have a wireless connection to a local and/or remote device that enables generation of a specific pattern for a mark in respect of a specific label or group of label. Selected embodiments could include a portable ink- jet device, or a device where a dot matrix of pins can be configured to deliver via an inked foil tape or ribbon or by inking with a pad a variable mark to the artwork.

A user could construct a unique stamp for each artwork or range of artworks, obviating the need for a stencil or other variation mechanism or process, or used in combination with such. Where inked stamps are concerned, the variation may be made in the construction of the pads so as to deliver different inks in different configurations.

In some cases, it is more convenient to separate out the components and their functions. An example of this is shown in Figure 6a, where a mask 4000 with printed IDs and other materials is held on a 'mini applicator' card 1000 and - the mark having been applied in a separate process using a stamp and stencil or directly onto the artwork from a stamp or other method - the label applicator is positioned manually by the user over the mark and (after removing the tabbed release liner 5000 from the mask] is pressed down over the mark and then lifted off, leaving the mask adhered to the artwork and over the mark. One example embodiment of a layer construction of a mini applicator is additionally set out in exploded view in Figure 6b.

comprising of (from the bottom] the applicator body 1000, a differential high tack/low tack adhesive layer 1005, with the low tack holding the mask material 4000, to the upper side of which has been applied the mask adhesive 4500 for attachment to the artwork when the release liner 5000 has been removed. Mini applicators have the advantage of being smaller and cheaper, and can be designed in such a way that a tabbed extrusion can be used to slot the applications into printed and indexed distribution sheets as shown in Figure 7. Numbering systems generated by labelling software can be applied to sheets, matching the applicators in each position on the sheet, and providing easy ways of checking inventory for available, used or missing applicators.

When applying marks and masks separately, a positioning tool can be provided as shown in Figure 8. This can be constructed to fit with applicators and stencils of different designs and sizes. By way of example, an embodiment is shown in Figure 9 where a stencil 9500 and mask 4000 are incorporated into a single applicator and the user first positions the applicator within the positioning tool as shown in Figure 10, uses a stamp or other process to apply a mark through the applicator stencil aperture 11000, and then removes the applicator, removes the release liner tab 5000 from the mask, rotates the applicator and replaces it in the positioning tool to press down and apply the mask as shown in Figure 11 (the mask being on the underside of the applicator in the view shown in Figure 11). In this case, the applicator is designed so that the relative positions of the stencil aperture and the mask ensure that when the mask is applied it is perfectly registered with the mark. Note that wherever stencil apertures are provided, they may be specifically shaped to match a stamp or stamps or other marking device, for example to enforce a specific orientation of the marking device with respect to the stencil or applicator. Note that in some cases the applicator may have a stencil aperture through which a mark can be applied but the aperture, instead of holding a stencil, is of irregular shape and may be rotated to different positions on different applicators. This means that the application of the mark by, for example, a stamp shaped to fit into the aperture in one orientation only, is varied by rotation according to the specific applicator and label being used.

When applying the mark separately from the mask, rotation can also be achieved by using a rotating jig 200 with respect tO an outer body 210 as shown in Figure 12, where an aperture which may be configured to fit exactly with for example a specific stamp can be rotated so that index or other marks on the jig are aligned according to values optionally provided by the labelling system in conjunction with a specific label or process.

Rotating apertures can be used in conjunction with stencil and stamp designs that enable subsequent verification of both the stamp and stencil used as well as the rotation applied. For example, a stencil design as shown in Figure 13 when used in conjunction with a stamp design as in Figure 14 can operate as follows.

The stamp design includes an unbroken circle 300; a line or arrow 310 indicating the orientation of the stamp; plus other identifying patterns optionally specific to the stamp. The stencil design includes a series of cuts arranged to create a unique distribution pattern specific to the stencil; a circular aperture; additional cuts arranged in order to permit the passage of sufficient visual information from the stamp's identifying patterns to enable the stamp to later be identified. The stencil cuts combine with the circle on the stamp to indicate the specific stencil. The stencil circular aperture combines with the line or arrow on the stamp to indicate the stamp's orientation with respect to the stencil. Together these elements enable the resulting mark to be used to identify the stamp, stencil and rotation used. A more sophisticated applicator design of a label applicator 10 according to one embodiment is shown in Figure 15. In this case, there is an applicator body 1500 into which a mask 4000 and stencil 9500 transport card 1600 is inserted and then a retaining cover 1700 placed or folded over the latter. The retaining cover together with a retaining wall 1501 of the applicator body holds the transport 1600 in place and may also attach to a folded release liner 1800 via an anchor 1801, for example by the alignment of pins or extrusions or embosses or similar with matching elements in the release liner, or by using a low tack adhesive panel on the underside of the retaining cover or on the release liner to hold the latter in place during the process outlined below. A hole 1701 in the retaining cover aligns in the first instance with the hole in the mask and stencil transport 1600 and allows a differentiated mark to be applied using the stencil 9500 (in combination with rotating or other method or without use of the stencil as selected]. After application of the mark, the user pulls a tab 1601. This causes the release liner, which is anchored to the applicator and applied to the underside of the mask, to peel back and the area 1802 exposes adhesive of the mask 4000. The user pulls the tab until the mask (now with adhesive exposed] aligns with the mark. This may be facilitated by markings at various points of the assembly, shown by way of example here by the position indicators 1502, 1602 on the applicator body 1500 and transport 1600, respectively. Once aligned, the user presses down through the hole in the retaining cover to transfer the mask 4000 to the artwork.

As described elsewhere, an applicator can be held in place on an artwork during the label application process by using a low-tack, removable adhesive such as a microsphere or similar product. Alternatively, one of many commercially available non-slip coatings may be used instead.

Optionally, a special font may be used to assist in the construction of the patterns on the stencil, the stamp and the unique markings on the paper label. This is done to assist in creating unique shapes in patterns that would later be able to be machine readable. The patterns therefore represent a stored unique string of characters - where each character is represented by a shape in the final design/cut file. This is achieved by creating a font where the alphabet is not represented by the usual characters, but instead by various shapes. This font then can be used in desktop publishing or CAD software to create a unique pattern from a set of strings.

The various embodiments described above disclose features that can optionally be combined in a variety of ways depending on the desired implementation. Since the features described are modular, other embodiments based on different combinations of features are also possible. None of the described features are mutually exclusive, and any combination of may be deployed to achieve the functions described above.

The contents of the abstract filed herewith and of GB 1522872.9 from which this application claims priority are herein incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A label applicator configured to be applied to a surface of an item to be labelled, the label applicator including a mask that is separable from the label applicator, wherein the label applicator is configured to direct passage of a mark onto the surface of the item and, upon separation, the label applicator directing the mask over the mark to thereby form a label.

2. The label applicator of claim 1, including a stencil having a pattern, first areas of the pattern being configured to block passage of a mark, when applied, onto the surface of the item and second areas of the pattern being configured to allow passage of the mark, when applied, whereby only portions of the mark in the second areas are applied to the surface of the item.

3. The label applicator of claim 1 or 2, including a mark guide configured to direct orientation of a marking device when applying the mark to the surface of the item via the label applicator.

4. The label applicator of claim 1, the label applicator including a stencil holding marking material and being configured to apply a predetermined mark by the marking material according to the stencil to the surface of the item upon application of the stencil to the item.

5. The label applicator of claim 4, wherein the marking material is encapsulated, integrated or encapsulated and integrated into the stencil.

6. The label applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the mask is configured to adhere to the surface of the item.

7. The label applicator of claim 6, wherein the mask includes a plurality of adhesive layers or adhesive types selected, patterned, mixed or formed to be identifiable.

8. The label applicator of claim 7, wherein the adhesive layers have predetermined varying thicknesses and/or coverage.

9. The label applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the label applicator is configured for a single use.

10. The label applicator of any of claims 1 to 9, including a body and a removeable insert, the insert including the mask, wherein the body being configured to receive and position the insert for directing the mask over the mark during labelling.

11. The label applicator of any preceding claim, including a positioning guide to aid positioning of the label on the surface of the item.

12. A labelling system including the label applicator of any preceding claim and a remote data repository, the remote data repository being configured to store data on the label applicator to identify a label applied using the applicator.

13. The labelling system of claim 12, wherein the remote data repository further includes data on information selected from a set including:

Information on the item, Information on when the label was applied, information on where the label was applied, information on where on the item the label was applied, information on the creator of the item, information on the owner of the item.

14. The labelling system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the label includes a unique identifier, the remote data repository cross-referencing the data via the unique identifier.

15. The labelling system of claim 12, 13 or 14, further comprising a user device configured to communicate with the remote data repository during labelling of the item to populate data in the data repository.

16. The labelling system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of label applicators, each label applicator being distinguishable from the others, the user device being configured to receive instructions from the remote data repository on the label applicator to be used for labelling and including a user interface to output instructions to the user on the label applicator to be used.

17. A label comprising a mark having a predetermined pattern and a mask applied over the mark, the mask being removable, wherein the mask has an identifier which is associated with the predetermined pattern in a remote database.

18. The label of claim 17, wherein the predetermined pattern has an identifier which is associated with the mask in a remote database.

19. A method of labelling an item, comprising: causing a mark applied to the item to have a predetermined pattern; and protecting the mark by overlaying a layer over at least a substantial part of the applied mark, the layer being uniquely associated with the pattern, the layer being removable from the item whilst leaving the mark in place.