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DNA Hidden in a More Complex DNA, made into an “Ink”, Printed Digitally, Retrieved, and Positively Identified, Thus Furthering DNA Lock™ Technology

October 30, 2002 – Following the announcement in June of the new patented DNA Steganography by Bancroft and Clelland, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the Bancroft laboratory has now succeeded in proving that the essential purpose of the patent, a “perfectly secure” mark, is not only theoretically possible, but practical too.

In August a “secret” authentication was hidden in a more complex DNA code. The material was then incorporated into a standard ink jet ink as supplied by one of the companies considering licensing the patent. This ink was then used in the standard ink jet printer employed by the company. A small mark printed on paper was then mailed to the laboratory, retrieved, and the hidden DNA decoded.

DNA is the key information molecule in living systems, since it carries the code that uniquely identifies humans or other types of organisms. Drs. Bancroft and Clelland of Mount Sinai have developed the technology, called DNA Lock™, that uses DNA biomolecules for secure marking of valuables or other documents. With DNA Lock™, a DNA authentication code is hidden so completely in an enormous assortment of other DNA molecules, that discovery and decoding by counterfeiters of the authentication DNA is virtually impossible. However, an authorized person, knowing the secret DNA keys that “unlock” the code, can readily read the authentication information. The concealed DNA code has now been incorporated into a marking ink or attached to valuables or documents.

Technology Transfer Group, TTG, is handling all commercial applications of this breakthrough technology worldwide, and plans to license manufacturers and systems developers for use in each of these various markets. The patent is applicable to many security areas: anti-theft, anti-counterfeiting, entry control, and product authentication.

Print a verifiable original document on your desktop printer

Newly Patented:
DocuLock™ Secure Document Printing

June 7, 2003 – This invention relates to the problem of verification that a document is indeed the one intended. The need develops particularly as we print more and more documents on desktop printers. The need comes to the forefront in the final steps of managing documents that are digitally secure until the local recipient decides to print the document.

Presently, when instructed to print the secure document, the recipient’s computer will do so and do so as many times as instructed. In addition to the unauthorized number of apparently real documents, the present system leaves open the possibility of changes made before the printer is activated and therefore invalid documents appearing real.

The invention is a system of computer components with a new secure printer. The secure printer is also equipped with a digital “watermarking” capability that will mark ordinary paper in a unique onetime only way that can be forensically proven as to the one original document intended.

Computers are used to originate or process nearly every document in use. The computer file has been developed to the stage that security features can keep the information “safe” from the origination to storage and to delivery in the digital format. Newly developed input controls and certification techniques such as fingerprint entry pads to a PC etc., can assure the next user of the true identity of the originator. The information may be trusted in the digital format. If so, the process is complete.

However, many documents are printed for action or for record keeping or for reading later. These printouts of the document are more and more likely to be in some remote location and at the present time, can occur at or from any local printing device.

The object of this invention is a printer that can be addressed, linked to the document source certification, and then print one and only one securely marked “original”. The printer might be arranged to only print if the file is from a selected source, only if the file has not been opened, print only one document, and print with a security mark that can be forensically validated as the true and unblemished copy.

To accomplish the goal: The printer must be accessible only by the approved party. The same entry system (such as a fingerprint keypad) as is used for the originator to design or type the document is also applied to the printing device

The printer must be able to distinguish the certification details of the digital file and be activated (the special features activated) by the acceptable code/signal.

The printer must be able to print a mark that can be verifiably unique.

The watermark printer integrated into the primary printer so that the unique mark is placed on the page as the message is printed. The mark can be covert and overt or both. It will effectively “water mark” that paper as it is printed to provide the same anti-counterfeiting advantage of watermarks and other features usually marked at a paper production factory.

The mark must be unique to this digital file and to this page of paper. It must be printed in such a way that it cannot be copied and has a unique (unique to that individual page) number or code.

The paper may have some other features built in before the printing to avoid tampering later.

Document Printing Made Secure



Document Printing Made Secure
Reprinted by Technology Transfer Group October 2003

Newly patented by Polestar is DocuLock™, a solution to the problem of verification that a document is indeed the one intended. “This need develops,” says Polestar, “particularly as more and more documents are produced on desktop printers – and comes to the forefront in the final steps of managing documents that are digitally secure until the local recipient decides to print them.

“At present, when instructed to print the secure document, the recipient’s computer will do so – and as many times as instructed. In addition to the unauthorized number of apparently real documents, the present system leaves open the possibility of changes made before the printer is activated and therefore invalid documents appearing real.”

DocuLock is a computer system with a special secure printer, which is equipped with a digital ‘watermarking’ capability that will mark ordinary paper in a unique way that can be forensically proven as to be the one original document intended. Computers are used to originate or process nearly every document in use. The DocuLock printer can be addressed, linked to the document source certification, and then print one and only one securely marked ‘original’. It can be arranged to print only if the file is from a selected source, only if it has not been opened, print only one document – and with a security mark that can be forensically validated.

Digital Hologram Application with “Image by Image” Number Or Bar Code Identification

June 7, 2004 – Impress Systems announces the Security Printing application of their digital printing desktop machine, the Force 10™. This news and the patent they have received on digital hologram transfer capability is remarkable and we now anticipate the on site (point of use) hologram with personalized “image by image” identification. 




Changing the Shape of Security Holograms
Force I0™    On-Demand Digital Foil Printer


NORTH BILLERICA, MA —— ImPress Systems, Inc. announced today that it is offering its Force 10™ specialty printer to the security printing market. This innovative, digital system has been sold since June 2002 for use in product decorating applications.

The system replaces traditional printing processes currently used to decorate leather, vinyl, plastic, and paper items. Configured as a compact, desktop printer, Force 10 significantly reduces the direct and indirect costs of printing by eliminating costly set-up time, as well as the dies, screens, cliches, inks, and solvents used in traditional printing methods. The system is cost effective for long, short, and personalized runs and applies any computer-generated text and graphics instantly. Versatile, quiet, and environmentally friendly, Force 10 is safe, easy-to-use, and produces sharp, durable impressions on-demand.

ImPress Systems was granted a United States patent for an Optical Security Image Printing System using its digital foil technology. Worldwide patents for the technology are pending. In security printing applications the technology allows for “one of a kind” holographic imprints to be determined and produced at the time of printing. By replacing the conventional hot stamp die with a digital print head, Force 10 offers a broad range of capabilities to produce a unique foil “lay down” using standard Windows applications. Some examples of the possibilities include personalization, serialization, bar coding, and pattern change. The system is capable of both positive and negative (drop out) image printing within the same impression.

About ImPress Systems

ImPress Systems designs, manufactures and markets digital specialty printing equipment and consumables. These systems replace traditional hot stamping, silk screening, pad printing presses, and engraving processes and eliminate the need for printing tools: dies, typesetting, screens, clichés, and plates.

This innovative product line provides specialty printers in the advertising specialty, on demand printing, packaging, and security markets with digital systems and consumables that are environmentally friendly, easy-to-use, and cost effective.

PhotoSecure and DNA Technologies Team Up to Combat Counterfeiting

October 4, 2004 – Boston, MA – DNA Technologies, a division of CrossOff Incorporated (TSX:OFF), announced today that it had entered into an exclusive sales and marketing agreement with PhotoSecure, a brand protection company based at Boston University’s Photonics Center. PhotoSecure is engaged in the production and distribution of proprietary, time controlled fluorescent dyes and readers for the product authentication market.

Under the terms of the agreement, DNA Technologies will market, sell and license PhotoSecure’s patented SmartDYE™ technologies as part of an integrated product solution.

Product counterfeiting and diversion continues to grow at a steady pace worldwide, and is estimated to represent 5-8% of world trade according to PIRA International – a significant loss of revenues for legitimate manufacturers and licensors. Numerous industries are targeted, including luxury goods, consumer apparel, fashion accessories, sporting goods, software and media. But industries such as pharmaceuticals, auto and aircraft replacement parts are particularly at risk, given the dangers to public health.

“We have collaborated with PhotoSecure on several projects over the past year and have found our technologies and products very complementary,” said Mike Hayes, President of DNA Technologies. “PhotoSecure’s unique optical security taggants provide ‘in the field’ verification for authorized goods, while our DNA tags provide an infinite number of codes or ‘signatures’, and forensic proof of identification. Combining our products, which blend quite comfortably into inks, films and resins, provide highly secure, multi-level protection in a variety of label and packaging substrates.

“DNA Technologies and PhotoSecure have just recently completed comprehensive stability testing, design and quality assurance on a new product, embedding our security taggants into commercial grade, drop on demand (DOD) thermal inkjet cartridges”, commented Dr Guilford Jones, PhotoSecure’s Chief Technology Officer. “This most recent work in product development will allow for easy integration of security features into variable data ‘tag and trace’ systems.”

About DNA Technologies
DNA Technologies is a new breed of security company with a revolutionary DNA-based tracking technology designed to combat counterfeiting, piracy and product diversion. DNA Technologies is a recognized leader in providing security marking and unequaled protection for valuable products, brands and intellectual property using security taggants. DNA’s parent company, CrossOff Incorporated was established in 1963 and is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:OFF). More information is available on their website www.dnatechnologies.com.

About PhotoSecure
PhotoSecure, Inc., was founded in 1998 to commercialize innovative photochemical/ information technologies. Our first goal is to provide manufacturers with cost-effective and production-ready systems for protecting products and brands which are subject to counterfeiting or to unauthorized distribution. PhotoSecure has patented its technology for photoluminescent materials used in the form of inks, dyes and films that can be applied to practically any tangible surface using traditional printing methods. PhotoSecure, Inc. is one of the innovative “spin out” companies spawned at the Photonics Center of Boston University.

Inkjet Technology Comes of Age with DNA Technologies Product

October 21, 2004 – Inkjet technology is a growing force in the commercial printing world today. Higher quality reproduction, short run flexibility and customization are factors making inkjet technology attractive to all forms of business, including industrial printing and packaging providers.

With the integration of advanced security features, inkjet has a new market in which to compete – anti-counterfeiting and brand protection. Many industries that employ variable data printing (pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, food, industrial manufacturers, packagers and labeling) are now able to easily integrate advanced security features into existing processes.

New, Multi-Level Security Taggants Now Available for Inkjet

After six months of comprehensive development and testing, DNA Technologies’ covert security tags are now available for variable data print applications using commercial HP Inkjet technology.

DNA taggants represent the ultimate marker for security purposes. The highly specific and detailed analysis required for forensic proof of identity is well accepted and represents a significant obstacle and deterrent for potential counterfeiters. The other component, instant and reliable field detection, is provided with PhotoSecure’s SmartDYE™, patented technology for photoluminescent materials.

A combined DNA/ SmartDYE product has the ability to offer unlimited numbers of unique taggants, with a very high degree of security and reliability, providing a multi-level authentication system that is virtually impossible to be broken or duplicated by counterfeiters. DNA Technologies and PhotoSecure offer access to their 11 patents on product authentication labeling, including two on barcode/ security mark integration.

By integrating product authentication features into existing inkjet technology, we will provide protection against counterfeiting and product diversion – a level of security that will allow customers to recover revenues and market share, track distribution on an ongoing basis to control product piracy, preserve the integrity of their products in the marketplace and increase consumer confidence in their brands.

Key Benefits

  • High security – extraction and matching of DNA sequence code provides irrefutable proof/ positive identification

  • Simple, yet complex product authentication solution – easy to use, but with inherent complexity to prevent duplication

  • Wide variety of applications – can be applied to virtually any tangible surface

  • Multi-level encryption provides moving target for counterfeiters

  • Cost-effective solution – low cost per mark; no major retooling or process re-design

TTG Named BIO*GATE Reseller

September 25, 2006 – TTG has been named a licensed reseller of Bio*gate tm Biometric Gateway for integration and management of security programs from Janus Associates.

Bio*gate ‘middleware’ software system acts as a coordinating bridge and gateway accepting inputs from most all biometric devices, applying polices to each event. Devices may be fingerprint, iris scan, or password. They may be made by different manufacturers. Biogate identifies each party and each access event for access to programs, files, networks, rooms, buildings, or any secure area.

Biometric devices are growing in sophistication and growing in popularity. Now you can mix and match the device for one application with other devices and password systems into a comprehensive overall enterprise wide system. the languages used in the device are often unique to that device and manufacturer. Biogate brings the various devices together and processes them in standard terms; using the most popular standards required by the host network system.

the enterprise may use various biometric and non biometric inputs to control access to both physical spaces and computer systems. With Biogate all such systems can be brought through one gateway.

A very important result of this approach is the ability to centrally control the profiles and access rights to each individual in the organization.

Changes to access rights can be made instantly without changing the individual credentials or documents or passwords.

Biogate stands between each individual’s entry into each System. His/or her access credentials are controlled from central source whether to the door to research labs or access to personnel files or financial reports.

  • BioAPI and CBEFF compliant
  • Designed to CDSA standards
  • Biometric matching between workstations and servers
  • Central management of authentication
  • Encrypted communications between workstations and servers
  • Open architecture. Scalable. Backward compatible

Put your Biometric devices to work in a Controlled central manner.

SECURE ACCESS MADE EASY
Janus Associates

Technology Transfer Group ~ a division of Polestar Ltd. established in 1994 as consultants in security matters; product development, technology licensing, international market strategy, and business planning. Original focus on security printing from holograms to DNA taggants. Now expanding into computer documents, identity, and access control.

Introducing a new line of Security Code Readers – Series 1000 SmartRead™ Invisible Bar Code Readers from PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC.

May 28, 2007 – PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC has introduced a new product line; the Series 1000 SmartRead™ invisible bar code readers.

These reliable and rugged hand held readers are based on a platform made by a leading supplier of standard bar code readers, and modified to the challenging task of reading our SmartDye™ invisible dyes and the inks with taggants from our partner, DNA Technologies.

Now the most significant forensic taggants can be read by hand held devices that can decode all of the common standard codes such as the most popular 2D Matrix codes, the codes that are being used in track and trace applications throughout manufacturing operations around the world.

DNA strands made to specifications for the project and hand mixed with fluorescent materials uniquely manufactured in our laboratories make truly un-counterfietable invisible marks that can be tracked by use of the new Series 1000 SmartRead™ invisible bar code readers.

These hand held readers are now added to our proven On line readers that have been used for over 2 years in practical brand authentication applications. The On line readers are placed in the production line just as the printer puts the final touches on the label or package. The printer is driven by a computer system that generates the unique identifier number for that particular item.

The On line reader checks first for the evidence that a print mark exists then decodes the mark and starts the pedigree tracking system. At any point in the transportation warehousing and distribution system, the new series 1000 can verify that the SmartDye and DNA taggants exist in the mark AND read the mark and continue the pedigree information.

Finally, a full wireless battery run code reader and imager can be used to check the authenticity and connect to the source of information regarding authenticity and the full pedigree.

The Code readers come in 7 models,
Introducing a new line of Security Code Readers – Series 1000 SmartRead Invisible Bar Code Readers from PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC

  • 3 different code readers in the simple hand held style with special optics – USB connected to a PC;Introducing a new line of Security Code Readers – Series 1000 SmartRead Invisible Bar Code Readers from PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC
  • 3 different code readers that are wirelessly connected with Blue tooth technology; and the fully independent wireless internet connected imaging and decoding micro pc.Introducing a new line of Security Code Readers – Series 1000 SmartRead Invisible Bar Code Readers from PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC


About PhotoSecure DNA Technologies

PhotoSecure DNA Technologies LLC (PSD) is the successor to PhotoSecure Inc. The business is based on photonic effects and evolved from technologies developed in Boston University Photonics department in the fluorescence field. The DNA connection was made 3 years ago when PSD joined in the combined development of DNA taggants with SmartDye™ with DNA Technologies of
Halifax, Ca.

Technology Transfer Group Announces Extended Consulting Services with Expanded Laboratory and Forensic Analysis Capabilities

Enfield, New Hampshire – July 21, 2009

Since our founding in 1994, TTG has specialized in security printing related technologies; licensing patents and technologies, representing inventors, and advising on business development. Now the company has established an independent laboratory for forensic analysis of documents, labels and even product markings. The “merger” of forensic technologies with applications to Brand Authentication is particularly interesting as the technologies for discovery of chemical, photonic and DNA evidence is now directly applicable to Brand Protection and to paper document security. The laboratory focuses on the analysis and development of technologies for the packaging and labeling of products and for the documents that are presently printed from a secure digital file, yet are fully open to counterfeiting and modification when printed.

The company works closely with PhotoSecure DNA Technologies llc, Boston Ma., DNA Technologies Halifax, Ca. and with many ink, printer, and automatic data collection reader companies. Now the company has purchased the “top of the line” Foster and Freeman model VSC 6000 spectral forensic analyzer adding one of the world’s best analytical tools to its laboratory.

This equipment has been placed in a new laboratory in New Hampshire along with other laboratory equipment and expands the company’s capability beyond the Boston University Photonics labs. The lab is still available through our CTO, Dr. Gil Jones a lifetime expert in Photonics as a professor and inventor. The new equipment makes it possible to quickly and accurately measure and test all types of security elements. The machine can demonstrate and measure the details of dozens of anti-counterfeiting elements. This provides for forensic analysis, testing of new print related security features, evaluation of multilayered security concepts, and support for integrators of systems involving many disciplines.

Technology Transfer Group (TTG) has 15 years of history in this very special technology space. Along with PhotoSecure and DNA Technologies and other taggant companies, and favorable relations with many companies in the ink, printer, chemistry, and optical reader field, TTG can help select test and support projects from a special ink to a full Unique Code Identifier, track and Trace, Supply Chain management system.

Super Bowl Footballs Tagged With Invisible Ink to Combat Counterfeits

February 03, 2010
Miami, Florida

Over 100 footballs will be used in the upcoming Super Bowl game, and to protect against possible counterfeiting every one of them will be “tagged” with a specially-prepared synthetic DNA ink that leaves an invisible-to-the-naked-eye security mark. The sideline pylons and even the coin used for the coin toss will be marked, too.

For the 12th consecutive year, the National Football League will use the world’s largest sports memorabilia authentication company, PSA/DNA Authentication Services of Santa Ana, California (www.psadna.com), to certify all footballs used in the Super Bowl. A PSA/DNA representative will mark each ball with a synthetic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) strand that can be seen only when illuminated by a specific laser frequency.

“The DNA ink has an astronomical 1-in-33 trillion chance of being accurately reproduced by counterfeiters,” said Joe Orlando, President of PSA/DNA, a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT).

“Many of the game-used Super Bowl footballs are sold by the NFL through charity auctions. The PSA/DNA certification combats potential counterfeiting and helps assure future owners that each ball is genuine.”

About 120 footballs are expected to be used in the upcoming game.

A PSA/DNA representative will be in Miami to photograph and then carefully “tag” each ball with the special ink. The mark is invisible to the naked eye but fluoresces green when illuminated by the proper laser frequency. A letter of authenticity accompanies each Super Bowl football certified by PSA/DNA, and the certificates have tamper-evident labels with individual, serialized numbers that can be verified online at www.PSADNA.com.

“The value of any game-used Super Bowl collectible can vary significantly depending on the importance of the specific item. For example, was the particular football caught for a touchdown or used for a game-winning field goal?,” explained Orlando who also is Editor of the monthly Sports Market Report price guide magazine and author of the book, Collecting Sports Legends.

In recent years PSA/DNA has authenticated the bat used by Babe Ruth in 1923 to hit the first home run in the old Yankee Stadium, and certified Mickey Mantle’s 500th career home run baseball, Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run ball and bat, and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s famous “Black Betsy” bat.

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