Method and apparatus for high security crypto-marking for protecting valuable objects

Abstract

A high security crypto-marking method for protecting valuable objects in which a target chemical compound suitable for subsequent detection by an appropriate detection means is applied to an object to be marked, wherein the method comprises the following operations: a) preparing a solution of a target nucleic acid having a sequence selected to form a marking pattern and possessing a selected degree of fluidity; b) incorporating a chosen quantity of the solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked; thereby making it possible, subsequently, and should the occasion arise, to perform the following operation: c) identifying or authenticating the object by using means for detecting the nucleic acid in order to reveal the marking. The invention can be used, where required, to provide irrefutable proof of ownership of an object in the event of theft, resale, or forgery.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.