Since 2012 Cortem Group ensures the quality and authenticity of its products and fights the illegal distribution of imitations and falsifications on the international market with the Nofake Project.

This project consists in the application, on all products, of a tamper-evident security label with a unique product authentication code. After a first visual inspection, it is possible to check on Cortem Group web site the validity of the unique alphanumeric code printed on the label.

The technologies used for making labels make it impossible to reproduce them thanks to the use of the most modern anti-counterfeit materials and the most advanced security protocols for on-line communications.

Another safety element is that the Nofake Project provides for a periodic update of the safety label, both the material and the process technology.

From 2012 up to 2014, an adhesive sticker round shaped, with a security hologram which contained a visible text "TESTED", "ORIGINAL PRODUCT" and an alphanumeric code has been applied on all the products.

Since 2015, this label has been replaced by square-shaped label with with a 3D matrix and the use of micro-lenticular security material. The unique code is overprinted both as alpha-numeric code and in 2D format (DataMatrix) for smartphone reading.

The third generation of the Nofake label, in use since 2017, has a new holographic image. The material is a new tamper-evident metallic base for high refractive index holograms, while the image was originated on Cortem Group graphics with technologies used by current banknote and document of identity applications.

1. The new holographic authentication label Cortem Group

The new holographic label will be rectangular of size 20mm x 22mm. On the top there will be a new Cortem Group holographic image, while the lower part will be a dull area hosting the overprint of the unique authentication code (alphanumeric string and datamatrix) and the TESTED text.

Reproduction will be by an innovative single-matched embroidery system on PET 36 micron silver metallic and tamper-evident.

The holographic technique used includes a 2D/3D high definition security hologram with micro text:

• Background: ORIGINALE and ORIGINAL text, horizontal 2 alternating colours, with deep effect
• Foreground: logo Cortem Group with diffractive effect contoured with achromatic element

The image has a high degree of security of 1° level (visual) due to the complexity of 2D/3D graphics, of 2° level (handheld instruments) due to micro text and of 3° level (laboratory instrumentation) of the achromatic element.

2. The use the hologram in the Brand Protection

The hologram is the three-dimensional recording of an image or graphic plot and it has become since many years the most important and common system for verifying the authenticity of a document and/or product and, as a consequence, an indispensable tool for defence of the trademark and to limit and fight the counterfeiting.

This is because the hologram is of complex and sophisticated realization and it cannot be reproduced even with the use of modern digital copying systems. The hologram can also contain a large number of information and security keys that will in any case allow the authentication.

The effectiveness and relevance of holographic technology rather than scientific explanations, which for obvious reasons must only be limited to the divulgable aspects of technology, is evidenced by the application of holograms on banknotes of almost all countries around the world, credit cards and identity documents.

In authentication and brand protection projects, a tamper-evident, self-destructive and non-repositionable material is chosen for the production of holographic labels. In practice, when the label is intact, it performs the classic authentication seal function, while the tampering does not allow any restoration operation when the label is tampered with or removed. The material adopted also leaves, at the time of the "amperage", a clear and readable wreck of the holographic image.

3. The Hologram Image Register

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) has commissioned the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) to manage and operate the Hologram Image Register - HIR.

The CIB is an International Organization, a division of the International Chamber of Commerce based in London, which deals with the management and protection of confidential and commercial information by its members. The agreement between IHMA and CIB specifically provides access to the HIR protected database only to specific members responsible for CIB staff.

The HIR function, operating since 1994, is to protect IHMA members and their customers from counterfeiting hools and copyright infringements.

The HIR is a worldwide hologram register, regularly updated by IHMA members and kept in strict confidentiality and security.

By submitting a specific search, producers can verify that a hologram they intend to make is not an illegal copy of an existing hologram and does not infringe any copyright. When a holographic image is recorded, the CIB issues a Registration Certificate with a registration number. This certificate authorizes the use by the Customer of the "Registered" mark and can be used for any actions of complaint and investigation in the event of counterfeiting.

The new Cortem Group hologram is being registered at the Hologram Image Register held by the International Chamber of Commerce Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB). This is in accordance with ISO 14298 "Management of Security Printing and Security Foil Production" Standard.

4. How to recognize an original Cortem product

We list here below the checks to be made on an Ex Cortem Group product to verify its authenticity:

1. Check the presence of the holographic label

2. Go to www.cortemgroup.com, Product Section, Product Authenticity check and enter the alphanumeric code on the holographic label.

3. Check the product marking label for the following information:

1. Year of production

2. Serial number

3. Product code

4. Temperature class

5. Maximum surface temperature

6. Temperature class

7. Ambient temperature

8. Further specifications based on the certificate

If you do not find the holographic label on the product or the alphanumeric code is invalid or the marking label does not contain all the mandatory information you have probably purchased a non-original product. Contact us at nofake@cortemgroup.com