System and method for authentication of items

A method for authentication of an item, comprising the steps of:

• securing a nonremovable substantially invisible watermark including a substantially invisible authentication code to the item for identifying the item;
• generating a unique identification code for the item, wherein the identification code differs from the authentication code;
• linking the authentication code and the identification code of the item;
• and
• linking owner identification information of the item to an owner by cross-referencing the owner identification information with the authentication code and the identification code;
• and
• entering data which matches the owner identification information, the authentication code and the identification code for authenticating the ownership and authenticity of the item.

A method for authenticating an autographed memorabilia item for a transaction in a secure, fraud-free environment, comprising the steps of:

• selecting the autographed memorabilia item from available autographed memorabilia items, wherein each of the autographed memorabilia items includes a nonremovable substantially invisible watermark having a unique authentication code;
• storing purchaser information, including selecting a purchaser identification code and a password;
• associating a unique, randomly computer-generated identification code with the selected autographed memorabilia item, wherein the identification code differs from the authentication code;
• entering the selected autographed memorabilia item identification code and linking the identification code to the purchaser identification code and password;
• scanning the selected autographed memorabilia item to retrieve the authentication code included in the watermark;
• and
• linking the scanned authentication code included in the watermark to the purchaser identification and password and to the autographed memorabilia identification number in the database.