Abstract:
Various aspects of the invention provide systems and method for verifying authenticity of a product. Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a tamper-evident package; and a unique identifier usable to verify the authenticity of the product, the unique identifier contained within the tamper-evident package. The unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package without demonstrating evidence of tampering. Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a tamper-evident package; and a concealed unique identifier coupled to the tamper-evident package. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a providing a unique identifier. The method includes: providing a tamper-evident package; and placing the unique identifier within the tamper-evident package, wherein the unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/321,525 and 61/321,530, both filed on Apr. 7, 2010. The entire contents of each application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Counterfeit goods remain a significant economic and consumer safety problem. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose particular safety problems because of the difficulty for even the most highly-educated consumers to determine whether a pharmaceutical product contains the correct quantity of an active ingredient or any active ingredient at all. 
         [0003]    Various approaches have been used to combat counterfeit goods, For example, intricate packaging and labels have often been used under the theory that such labels are difficult for the would-be counterfeiter to mimic. However, advances in technology have lowered the prices for sophisticated printing equipment, thereby improving the quality of counterfeit packaging. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need for new methods and devices for verifying authenticity of a product. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Various aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for verifying the authenticity of a product. 
         [0006]    One aspect of the invention provides a system including a tamper-evident package and a unique identifier usable to verify the authenticity of the product. The unique identifier is contained within the tamper-evident package. The unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package without demonstrating evidence of tampering. 
         [0007]    The tamper-evident package can be a blister pack. The blister pack can include a blister material and a lidding material defining one or more cavities, The unique identifier can be printed on the blister material. The unique identifier can be printed on the lidding material. 
         [0008]    A region of the tamper-evident package containing the unique identifier can be opaque, The unique material can be printed on a substrate received within the tamper-evident package. The substrate can be folded. The substrate can be rolled. 
         [0009]    The system can include a further unique identifier. The further unique identifier is mathematically-related to the unique identifier. 
         [0010]    The product can be a pharmaceutical product. The product can be selected from the group consisting of consumer goods, electronic goods, alcoholic beverages, electronic media, luxury goods, cosmetics, and software. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a tamper-evident package and a concealed unique identifier coupled to the tamper-evident package. 
         [0012]    The concealed unique identifier can be concealed by a removable opaque coating. The concealed unique identifier can be concealed by a substrate. The substrate can be perforated. The concealed unique identifier can be revealed by a change in environmental conditions selected from the group consisting of: exposure to a temperature change, exposure to air, exposure to water, exposure to solvents, exposure to light, and exposure to radiation. 
         [0013]    Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a providing a unique identifier, The method includes: providing a tamper-evident package and placing the unique identifier within the tamper-evident package. The unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package. 
         [0014]    The tamper-evident package can be a blister pack. The method can include scaling the tamper-evident package. A region of the tamper-evident package containing the unique identifier can be opaque. The unique identifier can be printed on a substrate received within the tamper-evident package. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a providing a unique identifier. The method includes: providing a tamper-evident package; placing the unique identifier on the tamper-evident package; and concealing the unique identifier. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a tamper-evident package; and a unique identifier usable to verify the authenticity of the product, the unique identifier contained within the tamper-evident package. The unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package without demonstrating evidence of tampering. 
         [0017]    This aspect of the system can have a variety of embodiments. The tamper-evident package can be a blister pack, The blister pack can include a blister material and a lidding material defining one or more cavities. The unique identifier can be printed on the blister material. The unique identifier can be printed on the lidding material. 
         [0018]    A region of the tamper-evident package containing the unique identifier can be opaque. 
         [0019]    The unique material can be printed on a substrate received within the tamper-evident package. The substrate can be folded. The substrate can be rolled. 
         [0020]    The system can include a further unique identifier, The further unique identifier can be mathematically related to the unique identifier. 
         [0021]    The product can be a pharmaceutical product. The product can be selected from the group consisting of consumer goods, electronic goods, alcoholic beverages, electronic media, luxury goods, cosmetics, and software. 
         [0022]    Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a tamper-evident package; and a concealed unique identifier coupled to the tamper-evident package. 
         [0023]    This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The concealed unique identifier can be concealed by a removable opaque coating. The concealed unique identifier can be concealed by a substrate. The substrate can be perforated. 
         [0024]    The concealed unique identifier can be modified by one or more selected from the group consisting of: exposure to an environmental condition, exposure to a substance, and use of a lens of a defined wavelength. The environmental condition can be selected from the group consisting of: a temperature, light, energy, stress, strain, and magnetic forces. One or more of the plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers can be modified by exposure to the environmental condition for a defined period of time. The substance can be water. 
         [0025]    The concealed unique identifier can be removably coupled to the tamper-evident package. 
         [0026]    Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a providing a unique identifier. The method includes: providing a tamper-evident package; and placing the unique identifier within the tamper-evident package, wherein the unique identifier cannot be detected from outside of the tamper-evident package. 
         [0027]    This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The tamper-evident package can be a blister pack. The method can include sealing the tamper-evident package. A region of the tamper-evident package containing the unique identifier can be opaque. The unique identifier can be printed on a substrate received within the tamper-evident package. 
         [0028]    Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a providing a unique identifier. The method includes: providing a tamper-evident package; placing the unique identifier on the tamper-evident package; and concealing the unique identifier. 
     
    
     
       FIGURES 
         [0029]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the figure wherein: 
           [0030]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict cross-sections of tamper-evident packages containing a unique identifier according to the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  depicts a blister pack having a unique identifier printed on the lidding material according to the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  depicts a tamper-evident package containing a unique identifier that can be coupled to an item according to the invention; 
           [0033]    FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C depict environmentally-sensitive unique identifiers according the invention; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 7 and 8  depict methods of providing a unique identifier according to the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  depicts a tamper-evident package according to the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  depicts a method of verifying the authenticity of a product through a plurality of stages of a supply chain according to the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  depicts an exemplary workflow according to the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  depicts a ticket including a plurality of unique identifiers according to the invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  depicts a method of verifying the authenticity of a ticket or other voucher according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
       [0040]    The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions: 
         [0041]    As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0042]    The term “visible” refers to any feature that is perceptible at a defined wavelength. Such a wavelength can be the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to the human eye (i.e., between about 390 nm to about 750 nm). Such a wavelength can additionally or alternatively include other wavelengths visible through the use of machines and/or lenses. 
         [0043]    The term “opaque” refers to any material that does not permit the perception of a feature from across the material at a defined wavelength. Such a wavelength can be the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to the human eye (i.e., between about 390 nm to about 750 nm). Such a wavelength can additionally or alternatively include other wavelengths visible through the use of machines and/or lenses. 
         [0044]    The term “environmental condition” refers to any ambient condition that can affect a product and/or the visibility of a unique identifier. Examples of environmental conditions include light, temperature, pressure, energy, and like. As used herein, environmental conditions may, but need not be, modified by a temporal duration, For example and as discussed further herein, exposure to a slightly elevated temperature for a short period of time may not be sufficient to compromise a product or cause a unique identifier to be revealed and/or modified. However, exposure to the same slightly elevated temperature for a 6 hours may be sufficient to compromise the product cause the unique identifier to be revealed and/or modified. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    Various aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for verifying the authenticity of a product, for example, products that are perishable, likely to be counterfeited, and/or likely to be mishandled. 
         [0046]    Exemplary products include pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, pills, capsules, tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, films, osmotic-controlled release oral delivery systems (OROS), elixirs, emulsions, syrups, suspensions, tinctures, inhalers, nebulizers, eye drops, ear drops, ointments, creams, lotion, liniments, gels, pastes, medicated shampoos, transdermal implants, transdermal patches, intranasal pharmaceuticals, subcutaneous (SC) pharmaceuticals, intravenous (IV) pharmaceuticals, intramuscular (IM) pharmaceuticals, intraosseuous pharmaceuticals, intraperitoneal (IP) pharmaceuticals, intrathecal pharmaceuticals, intracavernosal pharmaceuticals, pessaries, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, suppositories, and the like. 
         [0047]    Other exemplary products include consumer goods (e.g., clothing, luggage, and the like), electronic goods, foodstuffs, alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, spirits, and the like), electronic media (e.g., compact discs, digital video discs, and the like), luxury goods (e.g., jewelry, watches, perfumes, and the like), cosmetics, software, and the like. 
       Systems Containing Unique Identifiers 
       [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of the invention provide a system  100  for verifying the authenticity of a product  102  containing therein. The system includes a tamper-evident package  104  and a unique identifier  106  contained within or as part of the tamper-evident package  104 . 
         [0049]    Tamper-evident package  104  can be any package configured such that an end user can easily identify if the product  102  and/or the unique identifier  106  were previously removed or altered. For example, tamper-evident package  104  can be any package that requires a visible alteration to access the unique identifier. In specific examples, the user can be required to: open a bottle to view a unique identifier under a cap; open a box or sachet to view a unique identifier within the box or sachet; open an envelope to view a unique identifier within the sachet; squeeze a unique identifier out of a tube of product; open a packet (e.g., of hard-molded plastic) to access a unique identifier; pour a unique identifier out of a package (e.g., TETRA PAK® packages). 
         [0050]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the tamper-evident package  104  can be a blister pack (also known as a “push-through-pack”) consisting of a blister material  108  and a lidding material  110  defining one or more cavities  112 . Blister packs and methods of fabricating the same are described in D. A. Dean,  Blister, Strip  &amp;  Sachet Packaging in Pharmaceutical Packaging Technology  (D. A. Dean et al., eds. 2000). 
         [0051]    The blister pack can be formed from a variety of existing materials known to those of skill in the art. For example, the blister material  108  can be fabricated from plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polychlorotrifluoro ethylene (PCTFE), cyclic olefin polymers (COP), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polypropylene (PE), polyethylene (PE), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETg), and the like, as well as combinations and/or laminates thereof. Lidding material  110  can be fabricated from a foil, for example, a metallic foil such as aluminum foil. The lidding material  110  can be bonded to the blister material  108  with one or more adhesives known by those of skill in the art to be suitable for bonding a particular blister material  108  and a particular lidding material  110 . Suitable materials are further described in Edward J. Bauer,  Pharmaceutical Packaging Handbook  189-272 (2009). 
         [0052]    Unique identifier  106  can be any sequence of one or more characters that uniquely identifies a product. For example, unique identifier  106  can be a sequence of numerals (e.g., “1234567890”), a sequence of letters (e.g., “ABCDEFGHIJ”), a sequence of non-alphanumeric characters, and the like or a combination of the above. Although the examples herein utilize Arabic numerals and Latin characters, unique identifiers can be composed of other numerals and characters. Unique identifier  106  can also be a bar code or a matrix code (i.e., a two-dimensional bar code), A distinct unique identifier can be assigned to each individual product or a single unique identifier can be assigned to multiple products. 
         [0053]    Unique identifiers  106  can be automatically generated with computers, printers, labeling machinery, and the like. For example, unique identifiers  106  can be generated with a random number generator. Unique identifiers  106  can be stored by the manufacturer and associated with a variety of data such as the time and date of manufacture, the location of manufacture, the distributor of the product, the status of the unique identifier  106 , and the like. 
         [0054]    The unique identifier  106  can be printed on a substrate (e.g., a piece of paper, card stock, cardboard, plastic, and the like) as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, the unique identifier  106  cannot be viewed be without opening the tamper-evident package  104 . In order to obscure the unique identifier, the substrate can be rolled as depicted in  FIG. 1 , folded (e.g., like an accordion), and the like. The tamper-evident package  104  can be wholly or partially composed of an opaque material, 
         [0055]    The unique identifier can be printed on the blister material  108  and/or the lidding material  110 . 
         [0056]    Additional media can be placed in other blister cavities. Such media can contain additional unique identifiers and/or marketing materials. 
         [0057]    Cavities  112  containing the unique identifier or other additional media can have the same, similar, or different colors, shapes, and/or dimensions as other cavities (e.g., cavities containing pharmaceuticals). For example, cavities  112  can be substantially round, oval, rectangular, or the like. 
         [0058]    Referring now the  FIG. 2 , the invention also provides a system  200  including a tamper-evident package  204  including a concealed unique identifier  206  coupled to the tamper-evident package  204 . The concealed unique identifier  206  can be coupled to the tamper-evident package  204  by a variety of techniques. The concealed unique identifier  206  can be printed, stamped, or written on the tamper-evident package  204 . The concealed unique identifier  206  can be printed on another media (e.g., paper, cardboard, and the like) and bonded to tamper-evident package  204  with a chemical or mechanical fastener (e.g., during repackaging). 
         [0059]    The concealed unique identifier  206  can be configured to conceal a unique identifier until the end user wishes to verify the authenticity of the product  202 . For example, the concealed unique identifier  206  can be a scratchcard-type material in which the unique identifier is covered by a removable opaque coating (e.g., latex). In another example, the concealed unique identifier  206  can be concealed by a substrate such as a sheet of paper, cardstock, cardboard, plastic, or the like. For example, the concealed unique identifier  206  can be covered by a perforated substrate that is torn during authentication. In still another example, the concealed unique identifier is concealed by one or more layers of removable tape (e.g., two-layer tape). 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the unique identifier  306  can be printed on the inside of the tamper-evident package  304 , for example on the inside of the blister material  308  or lidding material  310  in a blister pack. Lidding material  310  can be peeled by the end user (e.g., through the use of a tab  314  to reveal the unique identifier  306 . Cavity material  308  is preferably opaque so that the unique identifier  306  cannot be viewed until the lidding material  310  is removed. Such arrangements can be particularly advantageous because they require little modification to existing packaging machinery and therefore can be produced at low cost. Moreover, such embodiments do not require any modification of existing blister packs. Indeed, blister  312   a  can contain a pill or other product. 
       Blister Attachments 
       [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a tamper-evident package  402  containing a unique identifier  404  can be coupled to item  406  to allow for the authentication of the item  406 . The tamper-evident package  402  can be a blister pack as discussed herein. The tamper-evident package  402  can be coupled to the item through a variety of means including mechanical and chemical fasteners. As discussed herein, unique identifier  404  can be printed in media received within the tamper-evident package  402  or can be printed directly on the blister material  408  and/or lidding material  410 . 
         [0062]    Tamper-evident package  402  can optionally be removed by item  406  after verification by the end user or other individual. For example, tamper-evident package  402  and item  406  can be detachably coupled through use of a temporary adhesive such as those available from Glue Dots International of New Berlin, Wis. 
       One-Time-Use Unique Identifiers 
       [0063]    It is preferable that the end user is able to quickly identify if the unique identifier  106 ,  206  was previously revealed for viewing. Such configurations are advantageous because a previously-revealed unique identifier  106 ,  206  suggests that the packaging  104 ,  204  was recycled and filled with a counterfeit product. A variety of approaches can be adopted to produce one-time-use unique identifiers. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the unique identifier  506  can be revealed by a change in environmental conditions  516  such exposure to a temperature change, exposure to air, exposure to water, exposure to solvents, exposure to light, and exposure to radiation. Preferably, the revelation of the unique identifier  506  is irreversible so that the end user is alerted that the unique identifier  506  was previously viewed, which suggests that a counterfeiter recycled old packaging. In other configurations, the unique identifier is transitory such that the unique identifier can only be temporarily viewed. 
         [0065]    As depicted in  FIG. 6A , the unique identifier  606   a  can be obscured by a mark  618   a  that becomes visible in response to an environmental condition  616  as discussed above. The obscuring mark  618   a  can be revealed by exposure to radiation incident to exposure of the unique identifier  606   a  during authentication. Additionally or alternatively, the obscuring mark  618   a  can be revealed by exposure to unacceptable environmental conditions. For example, the obscuring mark  618   a  can be revealed if the obscuring mark (and the product associated therewith) is exposed to heat, cold, humidity, and the like. Such arrangements are particularly advantageous for pharmaceuticals such as vaccines that are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat. 
         [0066]    The obscuring mark  618   a  can be the same or a different color than the unique identifier  606   a  and can partially or completely obscure the unique identifier  606   a.    
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 6B , another embodiment of the invention provides a one-time-use unique identifier  608   b  that does not require the consumer&#39;s judgment in order to assess whether the unique identifier  608   b  was previously viewed and/or is otherwise compromised. Unique identifier  608   b  consists of a number of characters (e.g., 11 digits). One or more of the characters (the third, sixth, and ninth digits in the example illustrated in  FIG. 6B ) are printed in an environmentally-sensitive ink (e.g., a temperature sensitive ink) represented by light shading in  FIG. 6B . If the user reads the unique identifier  608   b  before the unique identifier  608   b  (and the product associated therewith) is exposed to an environmental condition (e.g., high or low temperatures) the characters printed in the environmentally-sensitive ink will not be visible. For example, the user of the unique identifier  608   b  in  FIG. 6B  would see the code “78 28 02 46” and submit this code for verification as discussed herein. However, if the unique identifier  608   b  (and the product associated therewith) is exposed to an environmental condition (e.g., high or low temperatures), the characters printed in the environmentally-sensitive ink will become visible. For example, the user of the unique identifier  608   b  in  FIG. 6B  would see the code “78528602846” and submit this code for verification as discussed herein, thereby triggering a different response. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 6C , another embodiment of the invention provides a unique identifier  608   c  encoded in a seven-segment display. Various segments of each digit can be printed in environmentally sensitive ink (depicted in dashed outline) such that when the unique identifier  608   c  is exposed to an environmental stimulus, the visible unique identifier  608   c  changes from “0123456789” to “8789968388.” For example, 0 can change to 8, 1 can change to 7, 2 can change to 8, 3 can change to 9, 4 can change to 9, 5 can change to 6, 6 can change to 8, 7 can change to 3, 8 can be maintained as 8, and 9 can change to 8. 
         [0069]    Various combinations of environmentally-sensitive inks can be utilized to obtain more detailed information regarding the environmental exposure of the unique identifiers  608   a  or  608   b  (and the product associated therewith). For example, each of the hidden digits or segments can be printed in a different ink that becomes visible at various temperatures. Thus, by analyzing which characters are visible, one can determine not only whether the unique identifier  608   a  was exposed to heat or cold, but also identify one or more temperature ranges. Likewise, certain digits or segments can be printed in light-sensitive ink while other digits or segments can be printed in temperature-sensitive link. 
         [0070]    The environmentally-sensitive inks discussed herein can be calibrated to become visible in response to exposure to an environmental condition (e.g., temperature and/or light) for a specified duration (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, and the like). The appearance of the environmentally-sensitive inks can vary as a function of both time and temperature. For example, exposure of an environmentally-sensitive ink to an ambient temperature of 50° C. for 60 minutes can produce the same effect as exposure of the environmentally-sensitive ink to an ambient temperature of 75° C. for 30 minutes. 
         [0071]    Additionally or alternatively, environmentally-sensitive inks that disappear (as opposed to appear) when exposed to environmental conditions can be utilized to produce changing unique identifiers. In such an embodiment, the environmentally-sensitive ink would disappear upon exposure to an environmental condition, thereby producing a unique identifier. For example, inks that disappear upon exposure to temperatures are available from Chromatic Technologies of Colorado Springs, Colo. 
         [0072]    In still another embodiment, environmentally-sensitive inks can be activated by forces such as stress, strain, and/or magnetism. For example, the segments of the unique identifiers can include liquid crystals that experience a change in optical properties upon exposure to stress, strain, and/or magnetism. 
         [0073]    Notably, the user utilizes the same authentication process regardless of whether the unique identifiers  608   b,    608   c  was exposed to an environmental condition, Thus, the user does not need to interpret the unique identifiers  608   b,    608   c.  Rather, the authentication service can provide further instructions if the unique identifier  608   b,    608   c  was compromised. 
       Multiple Unique Identifiers 
       [0074]    Multiple unique identifiers can be used in conjunction with the inventions herein. The multiple identifiers can appear in the same or separate location within the tamper-evident package. The multiple unique identifiers can be related or unrelated to each other. For example, package can have one visible unique identifier and one hidden unique identifier. 
       Methods of Providing a Unique Identifier 
       [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a method  700  of providing a unique identifier is provided. 
         [0076]    In step S 702 , a package is provided. The package can be a tamper-evident package as provided herein. 
         [0077]    In step S 704 , the unique identifier is placed within the package. The unique identifier can be placed within the package by hand or with conventional or specialized automated machinery. 
         [0078]    In step S 706 , one or more products are optionally placed within the package. The one or more products can be placed within the package by hand or with conventional or specialized machinery. 
         [0079]    In step S 708 , the package is optionally sealed. The package can be sealed by hand or with conventional or specialized machinery. The sealing of the package can render the package tamper-evident. 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another method  800  of providing a unique identifier is provided. 
         [0081]    In step S 802 , a package is provided. The package can be a tamper-evident package as provided herein. 
         [0082]    In step S 804 , the unique identifier is placed on the package. The unique identifier can be placed on the package by hand or with conventional or specialized automated machinery. 
         [0083]    In step S 806 , the unique identifier is concealed. The unique identifier can be concealed by hand or with conventional or specialized automated machinery. For example, a removable opaque coating can be applied over the unique identifier. In another example, a substrate such as piece of paper, cardstock, cardboard, plastic, or the like is placed over the unique identifier as discussed herein. 
         [0084]    In step S 808 , one or more products are optionally placed within the package. The one or more products can be placed within the package by hand or with conventional or specialized machinery. 
         [0085]    In step S 810 , the package is optionally sealed. The package can be sealed by hand or with conventional or specialized machinery, 
         [0000]    Tracking of Products through a Supply Chain 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9D , the invention provides a tamper-evident package  900  including a plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers  906  that can be selectively revealed. 
         [0087]    The hidden unique identifier  906  can be hidden unique identifiers  906  according to any of the teachings herein. For example, the hidden unique identifiers  906  can be covered by a removable opaque coating or a perforated substrate. 
         [0088]    In  FIG. 9A , none of the unique identifiers  906  are revealed. This can be the first state of the package  900 , for example, at the time that the package  900  leaves a factory. 
         [0089]    In  FIG. 9B , the package  900  is transferred to another level of the supply chain. For example, the package  900  can be sold from the manufacture to a wholesaler. Anyone wishing to verify the authenticity of the product contained in package  900  can reveal a first unique identifier  906   a  and verify the unique identifier  906   a  as discussed herein. 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 9C , the package  900  is transferred to another level of the supply chain. For example, the package  900  can be sold by the wholesaler to a retailer. Anyone wishing to verify the authenticity of the product contained in package  900  can reveal a second unique identifier  906   b  and verify the unique identifier  906   b  as discussed herein. 
         [0091]    In  FIG. 9D , the package  900  is transferred to another level of the supply chain. For example, the package  900  can be sold by the retailer to a consumer. Anyone wishing to verify the authenticity of the product contained in package  900  can reveal a third unique identifier  906   e  and verify the unique identifier  906   c  as discussed herein. 
         [0092]    The package  900  can be configured to include a distinct hidden unique identifier  906  corresponding to each stage of a supply chain. For example, package  900  can include a sufficient number of distinct hidden unique identifiers  906  such that a unique identifier  906  can be verified every time the package  900  is transferred from one supply chain actor to another supply chain actor. The package  900  can also be configured to include sufficient unique identifiers  906  to allow for verification at other time points (e.g., when clearing customs). In still another example, the unique identifier  906  is not verified at every stage of the supply chain, but is rather verified at a subset of stages. 
         [0093]    The distinct hidden unique identifiers  906  can be hidden in the same manner or in different manners. The distinct hidden unique identifiers can be detected with the human eye or can be detected utilizing optical or mechanical systems. For example, a bar code reader can be utilized to read unique identifiers  906  that are bar codes or matrix codes. 
         [0094]    In another example, the distinct hidden unique identifiers  906  are readable at distinct wavelengths. In such an example, a plurality of lenses can be used to read the distinct hidden unique identifiers  906 . The distinct hidden unique identifier  906  can be related such that validation of one or more previous hidden unique identifiers  906  is required in order to validate a subsequent unique identifier  906 . For example, the wavelength of a subsequent unique identifier  906  can be revealed upon validation of a previous unique identifier  906 . 
         [0095]    In still another example, the distinct hidden unique identifiers  906  can be revealed by exposure to a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., the range of wavelengths present in sunlight or produced by fluorescent or incandescent lighting). 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a method  1000  of verifying the authenticity of a product through a plurality of stages of a supply chain is provided. 
         [0097]    In step S 1002 , a product having a plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers is provided as described herein. The product can be received within tamper-evident packaging as discussed herein. 
         [0098]    In step S 1004 , the hidden unique identifier is optionally revealed. The hidden unique identifier  906  can be revealed as part of the method or another entity can reveal the hidden unique identifier  906 , with our without the instructions of the entity practicing the method. The hidden unique identifier  906  can be revealed by a human or a machine. For example, various devices for opening blister packs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,431,283; 5,853,101; 7,051,898; and 7,284,661; as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0083309 and 2009/0199346. 
         [0099]    In step S 1006 , the revealed unique identifier is optionally received from a supply chain actor. The revealed unique identifier can be received via a communication means such as voice, telephone, gestures, human-machine interactions, key presses, facsimile, e-mail, Internet communications, Short Message Service (SMS), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Process Supplementary Service Request (PSSR), Unstructured Supplementary Service Request (USSR), Unstructured Supplementary Service Notify (USSN), SIM Application Toolkit (STK), and the like, as well as other common telephony and Internet standards. 
         [0100]    In step S 1008 , the revealed unique identifier is compared to one or more known unique identifiers. The one or more known unique identifiers can be stored in a secure location such as a database, computer-readable medium, and the like. The known unique identifiers can be associated with a status such as “valid,” “invalid,” “used,” “stolen,” “compromised,” “diverted,” and the like, 
         [0101]    In step S 1010 , a communication regarding the revealed unique identifier is transmitted, for example, to the supply chain actor that submitted the verification request. The communication can be as simple as “authentic” or “not authentic” or can be more complex and can include further information on why the product is not authentic, instructions on how to report an unauthentic product, instructions for obtaining an authentic product, and the like. An unauthentic unique identifier can also be referred to one or more appropriate individuals or entities for investigation. 
       Exemplary Workflow 
       [0102]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the inventions described herein are further explained in the context of the following exemplary workflow  1100 . 
         [0103]    In step S 1102 , one or more unique identifiers are provided. The one or more unique identifiers can be provided from list of unique identifiers (e.g., stored on a database) or can be generated in real time (e.g., using a random number generator or other algorithm). 
         [0104]    In step S 1104 , the one or more unique identifiers are applied to a product. The unique identifiers can be applied according to the techniques described herein. For example, the unique identifiers can be placed within or applied to tamper-evident packaging and can optionally be concealed. 
         [0105]    In step S 1106 , the unique identifiers can be recorded (e.g., if not previously recorded). For example, the unique identifiers can be associated with data about the manufacture of the product (e.g., date of manufacture, batch information, and the like). The unique identifiers can also be associated with the other unique identifiers applied to the product. 
         [0106]    In step S 1108 , the product is transferred to one or more supply chain actors. 
         [0107]    In step S 1110 , the subsequent supply chain actor can optionally verify the authenticity of the unique identifier and thereby verify the authenticity of the product. 
         [0108]    In step S 1112 , a unique identifier can be revealed as discussed herein. 
         [0109]    In step S 1114 , the revealed unique identifier is transmitted to a central repository of unique identifiers. The central repository can be the manufacturer or distributor of the product or can be a third party. As discussed herein, the unique identifier can be transmitted via a variety of mediums including electronic and manual transmissions. For example, a supply chain actor can use a cell phone to transmit an SMS text message containing the revealed unique identifier to defined destination. Alternatively, the supply chain actor can transmit the revealed unique identifier through a telephone in response to human or automated prompts. In another example, a supply chain actor can utilize a Web form or other networked application to transmit the revealed unique identifier. In still another example, the supply chain actor can use a scanning device to read the revealed unique identifier for immediate or later transfer, 
         [0110]    In step S 1116 , the revealed unique identifier is compared to stored unique identifier. For example, a query containing the revealed unique identifier can be executed against a database containing a plurality of unique identifiers. Information regarding the revealed unique identifier can then be examined (e.g., by a computer). For example, the revealed unique identifier can be deemed unauthentic if the unique identifier was not recorded as assigned to product or was previously validated. Other information can also be provided. For example, if the difference between the current date and the date of manufacture optionally stored with the revealed unique identifier exceeds a defined interval, the product can be deemed to be expired. 
         [0111]    In step S 1118 , information regarding the revealed unique identifier can be recorded. 
         [0112]    This information can include the revealed unique identifier that was validated, the time of validation, and the like. More advanced information can also be stored to enable more sophisticated analysis of the stored data. For example, the origin of the verification request (e.g., telephone number, location of the telephone, and the like) can be recorded. Recordation of this information allows for identification of anomalous patterns. For example, the revelation and transmission of a first unique identifier from Zaire followed by the revelation and transmission of a second unique identifier in Kazakhstan can be flagged as suspicious. Moreover, tracking of locations can allow manufacturers to learn more about the distribution patterns of their products, particularly in developing countries and in gray markets. 
         [0113]    Information regarding the revealed unique identifier can also include time and date information about when the unique identifier was submitted for validation. Such information is valuable to manufacturers, distributors, and the like because it provide an accurate measure of the duration between manufacture and use by the end consumer and/or the duration of various stages of the supply chain. Advantageously, the invention enables to collection of this information in cash-based economies that do not present the data collection and mining opportunities associated with electronic transactions such as those utilizing credit or debit cards. 
         [0114]    In step S 1120 , a message regarding the authenticity of the revealed unique identifier (and thereby, the product) is transmitted back to the individual that originally transmitted the revealed unique identifier. The response message can be transmitted in the same or different manner as the original message. 
         [0000]    Incorporation of Unique Identifiers into Products and/or Product Packaging 
         [0115]    As discussed throughout the application, unique identifiers can be incorporated directly within individual products, groups of products, and/or product packaging. Various approaches may be favored in certain situations depending on the nature of the product, the nature of the packaging, and the nature of the distribution chain for the product. 
         [0116]    For example, the incorporation of unique identifiers within product packaging may be favored for pharmaceuticals because of the limited space for printing unique identifiers on individual pills and the inability to print a unique identifier on liquid and aerosol forms of pharmaceuticals. 
         [0117]    In another example, the printing of unique identifiers directly onto a wine label and/or etching or stamping of a unique identifier direction onto a wine bottle may be preferred because wine bottles are often not sold with any additional packaging. 
         [0118]    In still another example, the incorporation of unique identifiers directly into artwork (e.g., by the artist and preferably in a discrete location) may be preferred because any packaging for such artwork (e.g., crates for sculptures) is typically not retained by the owner. 
       Verification of Tickets and Other Vouchers 
       [0119]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , one or more unique identifiers  1206  can be applied to a ticket  1200  (e.g., a ticket to a concert or sporting event) or other voucher. Such a unique identifier  1206  enables verification of the authenticity of the ticket  1200  on the secondary market (e.g., when purchasing from a ticket broker, scalper, and the like). 
         [0120]    A plurality of unique identifiers  1206   a - 1206   d  can be applied to the ticket  1200  and can selectively revealed using the techniques and materials discussed herein or can be viewable at all times. Unique identifiers  1206  can be selectively removed (e.g., through the use of perforations  1208 ). In such an embodiment, each unique identifier  1206  can be removed from the ticket after verification. The unique identifiers  1206  can be printed in a specific order and can be optionally labeled with an ordinal number so that users know which unique identifier  1206  to utilize first. For example, unique identifier  1206   a  can be utilized for verification in a first transaction before being removed from ticker  1200 . Unique identifier  1206   b  can then be utilized for verification in a second transaction, and so on. 
         [0121]    Ticket  1200  can include other information for processing the ticket  1200  (e.g., when the bearer of the ticket  1200  seeks to enter the venue for the event). For example, the ticket  1200  can include a barcode  1208 . 
       Methods of Verifying Authenticity of Tickets and Other Vouchers 
       [0122]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a method  1300  of verifying the authenticity of a ticket or other voucher is provided. As above, the term “ticket” will be used in this description for conciseness. 
         [0123]    In step S 1302 , a ticket bearing multiple unique identifiers is provided. For example, the ticket may be ticket  1200  as described herein. 
         [0124]    In step S 1304 , the ticket is transferred. For example, the ticket can be sold from a ticket issuer (e.g., a concert or sporting venue or a promoter such as Live Nation of Beverly Hills, Calif.) to directly to a consumer or a ticket broker, from a ticket broker to a consumer, from a consumer to a ticket broker, from a consumer to a consumer, and the like. 
         [0125]    In step S 1306 , the authenticity of one of the unique identifiers is verified. In many embodiments, this verification will take place in conjunction with a transfer, but can occur separately from a transaction. 
         [0126]    The authenticity of a unique identifier can be verified through one or more steps as described herein. For example, the unique identifier can be revealed (S 1308 ), if hidden. 
         [0127]    The unique identifier can be transmitted to a central repository of unique identifiers in step S 1310  for verification. The central repository of unique identifiers can be the ticket issuer or can be a third party engaged by the ticket issuer. 
         [0128]    In step S 1312 , the received unique identifier can be compared with a stored unique identifier. 
         [0129]    In step S 1314 , information regarding the received unique identifier can be recorded in the central repository of unique identifiers, 
         [0130]    In step S 1316 , a message regarding the authenticity of the received unique identifier can be transmitted to the individual seeking to verify its authenticity. 
         [0131]    In step S 1318 , the unique identifier can optionally be marked as “used.” This can be accomplished in a variety of ways including physical removal of the portion of the ticket containing the verified unique identifier (e.g., by utilizing perforations  1208  on ticket  1200 ), by marking the verified unique identifier with ink or other marking means, and/or by designation of the unique identifier as “used” in a database. In some embodiments, a single unique identifier can be validated several times before being marked as “used” in the database, thereby allowing for multiple transfers of the ticket before exhausting all of the unique identifiers. 
         [0132]    After several transactions, all of the unique identifiers may have been verified. If further transactions are desired, the ticket can be optionally redeemed in step S 1320  for a new ticket. For example, the ticket can be presented to the ticket issuer, who can optionally charge a fee for the new ticket. 
         [0133]    In step S 1322 , the new ticket can be transferred and the steps described above can be repeated for future transactions. 
       Equivalents 
       [0134]    The functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, functional elements (e.g., modules, databases, computers, clients, servers and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements, separated in different hardware, or distributed in a particular implementation. 
         [0135]    While certain embodiments according to the invention have been described, the invention is not limited to just the described embodiments. Various changes and/or modifications can be made to any of the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Also, various combinations of elements, steps, features, and/or aspects of the described embodiments are possible and contemplated even if such combinations are not expressly identified herein. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0136]    The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.