Product authentication using end-to-end cryptographic scheme

An apparatus adapted to authenticate a first item based on a hierarchy of codes, comprising:

• an input device adapted to:
• obtain a first item code from the first item;
• obtain a second item code from a second item, where the second item either contains or is contained by the first item;
• and
• a processing circuit coupled to the input device, the processing circuit adapted to:
• authenticate the first item by using the second item code, wherein the first item is successfully authenticated if a cryptographic relationship between the first item code and the second item code is verified.

An apparatus adapted to authenticate a first item based on a hierarchy of codes, comprising:

• means for obtaining a first item code from the first item;
• means for obtaining a second item code from a second item, where the second item either contains or is contained by the first item;
• and
• means for authenticating the first item by using the second item code, wherein the first item is successfully authenticated if a cryptographic relationship between the first item code and the second item code is verified.

A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for authenticating a first item based on a hierarchy of codes, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to:

• obtain a first item code from the first item;
• obtain a second item code from a second item, where the second item either contains or is contained by the first item;
• and
• authenticate the first item by using the second item code, wherein the first item is successfully authenticated if a cryptographic relationship between the first item code and the second item code is verified.