Packaging with embedded security measures

Abstract

A package for articles such as consumer goods that comprised security measures embedded within the package itself in order determine authenticity of goods is described. The package preferably comprises a packaging substrate material laminated to a face sheet having the security measures. The package may be printed with graphical indicia. The package may be authenticated by viewing the security measures, which may preferably be visible only under ultraviolet or laser light.

1 . A package comprising: 
 a material for forming the package comprising a plurality of laminates, the laminates comprising at least one packaging substrate and a face sheet;    the face sheet comprising at least one security measure embedded within the face sheet; and    graphical indicia printed on the package;    wherein the security feature embedded within the face sheet allows the package to be authenticated.    
   
   
       2 . The package according to  claim 1  wherein the face sheet thickness ranges from 0.003 to 0.0042 inches.  
   
   
       3 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the face sheet weight ranges from 55 to 62 lbs per ream.  
   
   
       4 . The package according to  claim 1  wherein the graphical indicia comprises an oil based ink.  
   
   
       5 . The package according to  claim 1  wherein the printing process used for applying the graphics to the package is offset lithography.  
   
   
       6 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the security measure comprises a taggant.  
   
   
       7 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the security measure comprises a colored security thread.  
   
   
       8 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the security measure comprises a multi-colored security threads.  
   
   
       9 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the package is authenticatable by marking the package with a chemical pen forming a colored mark which is visible only temporarily.  
   
   
       10 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the packaging substrate is corrugated.  
   
   
       11 . The package according to  claim 2  wherein the packaging substrate is paperboard.  
   
   
       12 . A blank of material for creating a package comprising: 
 a base packaging material; and    a face sheet attached to the base packaging material;    wherein a package formed from the blank will exhibit a temporary ink mark when marked by a chemical pen, the mark fading as the ink evaporates indicating the package is authentic.    
   
   
       13 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the face sheet and chemical pen can be selected in combination to form a specific color when the package is marked using the pen in order to indicate authenticity of goods.  
   
   
       14 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the face sheet is laminated to the base packaging material.  
   
   
       15 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the face sheet is attached to the base packaging material by polyvinyl acetate.  
   
   
       16 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the base packaging material is paperboard.  
   
   
       17 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the base packaging material is corrugated.  
   
   
       18 . The blank of material according to  claim 12  wherein the face sheet is at least 0.003 inches thick.  
   
   
       19 . The blank of material according to  claim 18  wherein the weight of the face sheet is at least 55 lbs per ream.  
   
   
       20 . A package for articles comprising: 
 a packaging substrate material;    a face sheet having a thickness of at least 0.003 inches and a weight of at least 55 lbs per ream laminated to the packaging substrate material, the face sheet comprising taggants embedded within the face sheet visible only under ultraviolet light;    the face sheet attached to the substrate material by polyvinyl acetate; and    oil based graphical indicia printed on the outer surface of the package using offset lithography printing;    wherein the authenticity of the package may be determined by passing at least a portion of the package under ultraviolet light and viewing the taggants.