A new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the EU Intellectual Property Office, have revealed that, in 2021, global trade in counterfeit goods was valued at approximately $467 billion, or 2.3% of total global imports. This absolute value represents an increase from 2019, when counterfeit trade was at $464 billion, although its relative share decreased compared to 2019 when it accounted for 2.5% of world trade. For imports into the EU, the value of counterfeits was estimated at $117 billion, or 4.7% of total EU imports.

Upcoming EU regulations are expected to transform the fashion resale market by potentially doubling the lifetime value of products. Research from Bain & Company and eBay suggests that consumers could reap up to 65% of these benefits. This shift offers a unique opportunity for brands to enhance their value chains through increased transparency, trust, and circularity, moving beyond mere regulatory compliance.

Pakistan faces a significant challenge from illicit trade and counterfeiting, a reality starkly reflected in the ‘2025 Illicit Trade Index’, published by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT), where Pakistan ranked 101 out of 158 countries.

TOPPAN Digital has expanded its Illumigram™ offering with a new colour version. Originally available only in white, the enhanced hologram now delivers multi-colour 3D text and images that appear when illuminated by strong light – such as a smartphone torch.

South Korean startup NexpotSolution is emerging as a key player in the anticounterfeiting industry with its proprietary authentication solution, AllmyTAG. Central to this solution is a technology known as the Layer QR Code, designed to address the vulnerabilities of traditional QR codes.

Crane Authentication has launched two distinct solutions: InsightPulse™ and Digital Asset Watermarking. Each aims to address different challenges in today’s complex phygital-threat landscape.

Book piracy and academic fraud present significant threats to education worldwide. Counterfeit textbooks flood the market, while fake diplomas erode trust in qualifications. As publishing increasingly transitions to digital platforms globally, pirates are discovering new methods to exploit vulnerabilities. In response, governments, publishers, and regulatory bodies are adopting innovative technologies. This article examines recent initiatives.

From April 2025, every bottle of Italy’s finest DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine features a new state seal adorned with the national flag. The tricolour flag is displayed next to the emblem of the Italian Republic, transforming the seal into a symbol of patriotism as well as a designation of origin.

Crane Authentication has launched two distinct solutions: InsightPulse™ and Digital Asset Watermarking. Each aims to address different challenges in today's complex phygital threat landscape.

The Royal Mint has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its bullion portfolio with the launch of the new secure Britannia bullion bar. For the first time, innovative security features - previously exclusive to its world-renowned coins - have been rolled out into its gold bar range.

In time for World Anticounterfeiting Day, the US-based resale platform StockX has released its second annual Brand Protection & Customer Trust Report, showcasing the company's significant advancements in verification, fraud prevention, and anti-counterfeiting measures throughout 2024.

Labubu fever is everywhere, but with that popularity comes an influx of fakes. The quirky monster doll is making headlines again - this time for all the wrong reasons. Labubu, the wide-eyed creature popularised by the Chinese toy brand Pop Mart, is now at the centre of a growing counterfeit crisis.

Whilst the authentication industry is witnessing consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, it is also seeing a strong wave of investment in capacity-building and innovation. This article looks at some of the latest investments within the RFID, holography, and security printing sectors.

Taking place in the historic and vibrant city of Warsaw, Poland (15-17 September), the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) 2025 conference continues its mission of showcasing the most advanced research, innovation, and debate in the field of document protection. With a dynamic programme ranging from cutting-edge optical features to quantum-resilient digital security, ODDS 2025 is where ideas are shared, challenged, and transformed into real-world solutions.

On the occasion of the recent International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) Annual Conference in San Diego, USA, the IACC launched its Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC) – a forum for cross-industry collaboration in the fight against fakes.

Efforts to combat counterfeiting have traditionally relied on visual markers such as holograms, microtext, and invisible inks, but advanced replication technologies are increasingly challenging these measures.

A recent report by the Chilean Instituto de Salud Pública (ISP), the national regulatory authority for pharmaceutical products, has sparked the interest of several local news outlets, due to the report’s surprising conclusions regarding the illicit trade of pharmaceuticals in the nation.

In our January edition of Authentication & Brand News™, we asked: ‘could 2025 be the year for smart and sustainable IoT labels?’ The question was prompted by the unveiling of new smart label solutions from Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and Linxens. The solutions are emblematic of a larger shift in logistics and authentication: moving from traditional scan-based systems to sensing-based networks.

Crane NXT recently announced the launch of a new brand identity: Crane Authentication. This unified brand consolidates the strengths of recently acquired De La Rue Authentication, the Smart Packaging assets of TruTag Technologies, and OpSec Security (purchased last year). Crane NXT now comprises two segments: Security and Authentication Technologies (which includes Crane Currency and Crane Authentication) and Crane Payment Innovations.

Efforts to combat counterfeiting have traditionally relied on visual markers such as holograms, micro text, and invisible inks, but advanced replication technologies are increasingly challenging these measures.