Counterfeit protection and verification system and method

A method for verifying in a system having first and second parts that the first part of the system may be properly used with the second part of the system, wherein the first part comprises a label defining a grid having a plurality of discrete portions that are selectively magnetizable to provide a predetermined pattern unique to the first part;

• and the second part comprises a magnetic reader for identifying the magnetic pattern on the first part and generating a signal indicative of the pattern, and a programmable controller configured to receive signals from the reader to confirm the identity of the first part and further configured to be reprogrammed to identify a changed predetermined pattern;
• the method comprising:
• establishing an initial predetermined pattern of the plurality of discrete magnetic portions associated with the label by selectively magnetizing discrete portions of the grid and programming the programmable controller to recognize the pattern as authentic;
• periodically changing the predetermined pattern of the plurality of discrete selectively magnetizable portions associated with the label by selectively magnetizing discrete portions of the grid to provide a predetermined pattern different from the initial predetermined pattern;
• reprogramming the programmable controller to recognize the changed pattern as authentic;
• bringing the first part into proximity with the second part so that the magnetic reader can read the magnetic portions on the label associated with the first part;
• the reader sending a signal to the controller corresponding to the pattern on the label;
• and
• the controller determining whether the pattern corresponds to that of an authentic first part and permitting further operation of the system only upon confirmation that the first part is authentic.