Method and apparatus for high security crypto-marking for protecting valuable objects
First Claim
1. 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 known nucleotide sequence and possessing a selected degree of fluidity;
b) incorporating a chosen quantity of said solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked; and
c) identifying or authenticating the object by bringing a probe means including a chemical agent reactive with said target nucleic acid into contact with said target nucleic acid, and detecting a reaction between said agent and said target nucleic acid and/or a reaction product.
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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.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. 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:
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a) preparing a solution of a target nucleic acid having a known nucleotide sequence and possessing a selected degree of fluidity; b) incorporating a chosen quantity of said solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked; and c) identifying or authenticating the object by bringing a probe means including a chemical agent reactive with said target nucleic acid into contact with said target nucleic acid, and detecting a reaction between said agent and said target nucleic acid and/or a reaction product. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24)
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14. A kit for high security crypto-marking for protecting valuable objects, said kit comprising:
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a solution of a target nucleic acid having a known nucleotide sequence and possessing a selected degree of fluidity; applicator means suitable for spreading said solution on a surface to be marked; and probe means comprising a chemical agent reactive with said target nucleic acid and means for detecting a reaction between the target nucleic acid and chemical agent and/or a reaction product, wherein said solution contains a buffer for conserving the target nucleic acid and for conferring to the solution a degree of fluidity sufficient for use in said applicator means. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26)
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Specification