The ability to trace and track products along the whole supply chain is the key factor for reducing the share of counterfeit and piracy in exports. NanoLUXE has developed an uncopiable ink-based tracking nanoplatform to solve any kind of traceability needs for luxury goods, art, medical devices, amongst others, and in any kind of material.

BACKGROUND

Illicit trade in fake goods is a major challenge in an innovation-driven global economy. It has a negative impact on the sales and profits of affected firms, as well as broader adverse effects on the economy as well as public health, safety and security. Organized criminal groups are seen as playing an increasingly important role in these activities, using profits from counterfeiting and piracy operations to fund other illegal activities. A study conducted by the OECD and the EU Intellectual Property Office shows that trade in counterfeit and pirated goods amounted up to 3,3% of world trade in 2019 (USD509 billion). Counterfeit products range from high-end consumer luxury goods such as art, clothing, complements, jewellery, to business-to-business products such as machines, art pieces (canvases, sculptures, photographs), medical devices, drugs, or implants/prostheses.

THE TECHNOLOGY

NanoLUXE has developed an uncopiable ink-based tracking nanoplatform to solve any kind of traceability and authentication needs for exclusive goods. The technology is based in a combination of barcoded nanoparticles with a unique signal that can be rapidly measured with an optical reader. The ink sticks in any kind of physical material such as leather, cotton, metals, or plastics, for at least 10 years and without compromising the appearance of the good. The complexity of the signal can be adapted to any client needs, from one register for the whole brand, to a unique signal for each individual item.

ADVANTAGES

• Labelling with a unique signal that cannot be copied
• A volume of 2μl (invisible to the human eye) is enough to create a signal
• It can be used in different surfaces and materials, e.g. canvas, metal, leather, paper, plastic, fabric, among others, without compromising the appearance of the good.
• The labelling signal supports extreme environmental conditions
• Fast response (<1s) and sensible (≥99.9%)
• Authentication can be done along the whole supply chain by non-experts

STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

NanoLUXE has developed a TLR6 prototype, i.e. a functional labelling nanoplatform together with the reader for product authentication. The prototype has been validated in canvas (art field), leather (luxury bags, wallet), metal surfaces and plastics.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

A European patent has been filed in December 2020.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is a major challenge in an innovation driven global economy. These practices have negative effects on the sales and profits of affected firms, while also having adverse revenue, economic, health, safety and security effects for governments, businesses and consumers. NanoLUXE, however solution can be adapted to multiple clients’ needs, in different fields (art, luxury goods, medicine –prosthetics-).

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a partner to continue the scaling up of the technology.

CONTACT

Cinta Diez, PhD

Senior Project Manager

Innovation Unit – UPF Business Shuttle

Pompeu Fabra University

T.+34.93.316.09.13

[email protected]

[email protected]

KEYWORDS

authentication, detection, tracking device, traceability, nanoplatform, nanotechnology, ink, ink-based