Theft deterrent system

• US 20060017569A1
• Filed: 08/15/2005
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nicholas Charles Davies
• Original Assignee: Nicholas Charles Davies
• Inventors: Davies, Nicholas Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,414,531 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0214 Stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0216 for containers
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0272 Labels for containers
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0276 Safety features, e.g. colour, prominent part, logo
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0277 Tamper resistant
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2003/0282 for textiles, e.g. clothing
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0292 tamper indicating labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0294 where the change is not permanent, e.g. labels only readable under a special light, temperature indicating labels and the like
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0329 having electronic sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0335 using RFID tags
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0341 having label sealing means

Abstract

A security device to be attached to a retail product, wherein the device indicates the only authorized point or channel of sale and a method for deterring the theft and resale of goods. The method can include identifying a product which is likely target for theft and resale, identifying an appropriate distinguishing device to clearly indicate the authorized point or channel of sale, and applying the distinguishing device to the product.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a security device to be applied to a product, wherein the security device indicates the only authorized point of sale of the product, for the purpose of preventing unauthorized sale or return of the product.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authorized point of sale includes the authorized country of sale.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is more than one authorized point of sale and the device indicates only those authorized points of sale.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device includes a call to action to report theft or illicit resale of goods.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device includes an offer of a reward.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device comprises a label or tag.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product is a retail or wholesale product.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is applied to the product packaging.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the packaging comprises a transparent wrapping of polymeric material.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the packaging includes a strip by which the packaging may be removed.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the strip is a tear strip.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the security device is applied to or incorporated within the strip.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the security device is applied to the product packaging by etching.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is applied to the product directly.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is attached to the product by adhesive.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is sprayed on to the product.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is printed on to the product.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is applied to the product by a hot foil process.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is embossed on the product.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is formed integrally with the product.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is semi-transparent.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device is holographic.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein marketing text, graphics and/or other devices important to the product'"'"'s integrity at point of sale are placed over or under the security device.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the addition of the security device to the product does not affect existing packaging or product design.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device includes a serial number.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the serial number is a coded serial number.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the serial number is a two dimensional bar code.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein removal of the security device causes damage to the product or packaging.

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tag comprises an electronic tag.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second security device for attachment to a container, wherein the second security device indicates that the contents of the container are protected by the security device.

31. An apparatus comprising:

a security device to be applied to a product, wherein the security device indicates the only authorized point of distribution of the product, for the purpose of preventing unauthorized sale or return of the product.

32. A security device to be applied to a product, wherein the security device indicates the only authorised point or channel of sale.

33. A method of deterring unauthorized sale or return of product, the method comprising:

a) identifying product which is a likely target for unauthorized sale or return,

b) identifying an appropriate distinguishing device to clearly indicate the only authorized point of sale of the product, and

c) applying the distinguishing device to the product.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein identifying a product includes identifying a valuable branded product.

35. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the product is a likely target for theft and resale.

36. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein applying the distinguishing device is performed at the retail store or other point of sale.

37. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein applying the distinguishing device is performed before the product reaches the retail store or other point of sale.

38. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein applying the distinguishing device is performed at a distribution centre, repackaging or value add service centre or retail warehouse.

39. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein applying the distinguishing device is performed by a distributor.

40. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein applying the distinguishing device is performed at a point of original product manufacture.

41. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein identifying an appropriate distinguishing device includes:

identifying a security device to be applied to a product, wherein the security device indicates the only authorized point of sale of the product, for the purpose of preventing unauthorized sale or return of the product.

42. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising providing on the distinguishing device a call to action to report theft or resale of goods and providing contact details on the distinguishing device for information relating to the theft or resale of the goods.

43. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising providing information to the public relating to the distinguishing device and its use.

44. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising offering a reward for information relating to the theft or resale of the goods.

45. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein identifying a product includes identifying a retail or wholesale product.

46. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising pre-treating, abrading or scoring a surface of the product prior to applying the distinguishing device.

47. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising:

placing the identified product in a container for distribution and providing information on the container regarding the distinguishing device.

48. A method for deterring the theft and resale of goods, the method comprising:

a) Identifying a product which is a likely target for theft and resale,

b) Identifying an appropriate distinguishing device to clearly indicate the only authorized point or channel of sale, and

c) Applying the distinguishing device to the product.