Patent ID: 8028892

Claim:
A method for verifying the authenticity of a consumer item, the method comprising the steps of: a) generating a plurality of unique codings; b) storing the plurality of unique codings generated in step a) using a server; c) assigning each unique coding to one separate information carrier, each information carrier structured for attachment to one consumer item or to a package containing the consumer item, wherein the unique coding is hidden by a lamination covering the coding; d) transferring the information carriers to a manufacturer or distributor of the consumer item for attachment of one unique coding to each consumer item; e) receiving a telecommunication message from a consumer, the consumer having acquired the consumer item, exposed the hidden coding located on the consumer item by destroying the lamination covering the coding and automatically detected the exposed coding using a detection device, wherein the message is transmitted by the detection device and contains the unique coding associated with the information carrier attached to the acquired consumer item as well as a telecommunication number of the detection device sending the message; f) storing, using the server, the unique coding and the telecommunication number of the detection device; g) comparing the coding received in step e) with the plurality of unique codings stored in step b); and h) informing the detection device of the consumer that the acquired consumer item is or is not authentic.