WATER SOLUBLE ANTI-COUNTERFEITING FILM

Abstract

ABSTRACT WATER SOLUBLE ANTI-COUNTERFEITING FILM The present disclosure relates to anti-counterfeiting film and a process for its preparation. The anti-counterfeiting film is biodegradable and gelatin-based water soluble film that can be used as a substrate on clothes, footwear and the like. The anti-counterfeiting film of the present disclosure can be visible under UV radiation but invisible to naked eye thereby making it more efficient. The process for the preparation of the anti-counterfeiting film is simple and environment friendly.

Specification

Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to anti-counterfeiting technology.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used, indicate otherwise.
Anti-counterfeiting: The term "Anti-counterfeiting" refers to the measures and technologies implemented to prevent the unauthorized replication, imitation, or fraudulent alteration of products, documents, or brands.
Data matrix code: The term "Data matrix code" refers to a 2D barcode that is made of black and white cells or contrasting dark and light cells, arranged in a grid that is typically arranged in a square pattern.
Wardrobing: The term "wardrobing" refers to a form of retail fraud where a customer buys clothing, wears it, and then returns it for a refund.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Every company has its unique barcode printed on tags of its product which confirms the authenticity of that company. Online e-commerce products can be purchased and returned online without ensuring whether it is used or not. It is difficult to assure if the customer has used or washed the clothes. As per the policies, the product should be unused and returned to its original condition. Often the customers return the products such as clothes after single use. Sometime the complete product is exchanged for a different low quality and cheap replica by changing the label attached to the goods. This is called merchandise fraud/wardrobing.
The increase in the product return can cause loss of consumer trust and decrease the reputation of the products and the company as well. Potential harm can be caused to the genuine products and the company may face legal obligations due to counterfeit items in the market.
Therefore, there is a need to provide an anti-counterfeiting film that mitigates the drawbacks mentioned herein above or at least provides a useful alternative.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the background or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-counterfeiting film.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-counterfeiting film that is biodegradable.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-counterfeiting film that is water soluble.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anti-counterfeiting film that is invisible to the naked eye.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process for the preparation of an anti-counterfeit film that is simple and economical.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising;
a) gelatin base; and
b) a data matrix code printed on the gelatin base,
wherein the film is characterized by having visibility when exposed to UV radiation and is invisible to naked eye.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data matrix code is printed on the gelatin base by using a UV fluorescent ink selected from the group consisting of coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink absorbs UV radiation in the range of 250 nm to 380 nm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink emits radiation in the range of 365 nm to 375 nm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data matrix code encodes data in contrasting dark and light cells arranged in a grid (matrix).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the film is in the range of 200 µm to 600 µm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the film is affixed to a substrate selected from the group consisting of clothes, footwear, watches and bags.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising the following steps:
i. mixing a predetermined amount of gelatin in water at a first predetermined temperature under stirring at a speed in the range of 300 rpm to 500 rpm for a first predetermined time period to obtain a first mixture;
ii. spray coating the first mixture on a substrate to obtain a coated substrate;
iii. air drying the coated substrate under a relative humidity in the range of 30% to 50% at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain a dried gelatin base;
iv. separately generating a barcode containing information at least one selected from the group consisting of product ID, batch number, and URL related to product;
v. printing the barcode with a UV fluorescent ink on the dried invisible gelatin base using an inkjet printer to obtain a film; and
vi. drying the film at a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time period to obtain the water soluble anti-counterfeiting film.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of gelatin is in the range of 10 mass% to 30 mass% with respect to the total mass of the first mixture.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 90 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate is selected from clothes, footwear, watches, and bags.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predetermined temperature is in the range of 20 °C to 40 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 hours to 30 hours.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink is selected from coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third predetermined temperature is in the range of 25 °C to 50 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third predetermined time period is in the range of 20 hours to 30 hours.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a UV-enabled barcode scanner to view the water soluble anti-counterfeiting film in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to anti-counterfeiting technology.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described herein. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used in the present disclosure is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Merchandise fraud, or wardrobing, happens when customers return used or fake products, sometimes swapping original items with cheap imitations. This can harm a company's reputation, reduce customer trust, and lead to legal issues due to fake goods. Verifying product authenticity during returns is important to avoid these problems.
In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising:
a. gelatin base; and
b. a data matrix code printed on the gelatin base.
The film is characterized by having visibility when exposed to UV radiation and is invisible to naked eye.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data matrix code is printed on the gelatin base by using a UV fluorescent ink selected from the group consisting of coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, Europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes. In an exemplary embodiment, the data matrix code is printed on the gelatin base using a coumarin based dye.
In an exemplary embodiment, the data matrix code is printed on the gelatin base by using inkjet printing machine.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink is an ink containing luminophores. When exposed to UV light (250-380 nm), the luminophores transform UV light into fluorescent light of different colors visible to the naked eye.
UV fluorescent inks are specialized printing materials that exhibit fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. These inks are formulated with unique pigments that absorb UV radiation and emit visible light, resulting in vibrant and eye-catching colors. The key defining characteristic of UV fluorescent inks lies in their ability to produce a heightened visual impact, making them particularly suitable for applications where enhanced visibility and aesthetics are essential. These inks find widespread usage in industries such as packaging, signage, security printing, and promotional materials.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink absorbs UV radiation in the range of 250 nm to 380 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, the UV fluorescent ink absorbs UV radiation at 365 nm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink emits radiation in the range of 365 nm to 375 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, the UV fluorescent ink emits radiation at 370 nm.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light. Purple and violet light have shorter wavelengths than other colors of light, and ultraviolet has even shorter waves than violet does; so ultraviolet is sort of "purpler-than-purple" light or "beyond violet" light.
Ultraviolet radiation lies between visible light and X-rays along the electromagnetic spectrum. UV "light" spans a range of wavelengths between about 10 and 400 nanometers. The wavelength of violet light is around 400 nanometers (or 4,000 Å). Ultraviolet radiation oscillates at rates between about 800 terahertz (THz or 1012 hertz) and 30,000 THz.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data matrix code encodes data in contrasting dark and light cells arranged in a grid (matrix). In an exemplary embodiment, the data matrix code is a 2D barcode.
A Data Matrix code is a 2D barcode that encodes data in black and white, or contrasting dark and light, cells arranged in a grid. Unlike 1D barcodes, Data Matrix codes are omnidirectional, meaning that they can be read from any angle.
The number of rows and columns within a Data Matrix increases with the amount of information stored in the code; this is limited to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. Data Matrix codes are usually square, or sometimes rectangular in shape, and are made up of multiple light and dark square dots, or 'cells', arranged in a grid or 'matrix'.
Though typically printed in black and white, Data Matrix codes can be printed in different color combinations, provided there is sufficient contrast between dark and light cells to ensure readability. Data Matrix codes are defined by an L-shaped pattern at one side of the code, creating two solid adjacent borders. This 'finder pattern' helps camera scanners to locate the code. Data Matrix codes can be scanned from any angle (0-360°) using a Data Matrix code scanner, or omnidirectional camera scanner.
Data Matrix codes are physically smaller than QR codes, offering high data density in a very small size, making them an ideal solution for marking individual product parts, where space might be limited. The US Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) recommends using Data Matrix for labelling small electronic components. Data Matrix codes are also the only 2D codes approved by GS1 for regulated healthcare items; they are also the default code type for automotive and aerospace applications.
Data Matrix codes provide a greater tolerance for errors than traditional 1D barcodes, it is imperative to ensure that codes are clean, crisp, and correct to ensure that they can be used effectively by consumers and trusted by retailers and those within the wider supply chain.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the film is in the range of 200 µm to 600 µm. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the film is 500 µm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the film is affixed to a substrate selected from the group consisting of clothes, footwear, watches, and bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate is a cloth. In another exemplary embodiment, the substrate is a footwear.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising the following steps:
i. mixing a predetermined amount of gelatin in water at a first predetermined temperature under stirring at a speed in the range of 300 rpm to 500 rpm for a first predetermined time period to obtain a first mixture;
ii. spray coating the first mixture on a substrate to obtain a coated substrate;
iii. air drying the coated substrate under a relative humidity in the range of 30% to 50% at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain a dried gelatin base;
iv. separately generating a barcode containing an information at least one selected from the group consisting of product ID, batch number, and URL related to product;
v. printing the barcode with a UV fluorescent ink on the dried invisible gelatin base using an inkjet printer to obtain a film; and
vi. drying the film at a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time period to obtain the water soluble anti-counterfeiting film.
The process is described in detail.
In a first step, a predetermined amount of gelatin is mixed in water at a first predetermined temperature under stirring at a speed in the range of 300 rpm to 500 rpm for a first predetermined time period to obtain a first mixture.
Gelatin or gelatin (from Latin gelatus 'stiff, frozen') is a translucent, colorless, flavorless food ingredient, commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is brittle when dry and rubbery when moist. It may also be referred to as hydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate, gelatine hydrolysate, hydrolyzed gelatine, and collagen peptides after hydrolysis. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, beverages, medications, drug or vitamin capsules, photographic films, papers, and cosmetics.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of gelatin is in the range of 10 mass% to 30 mass% with respect to the total mass of the first mixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined amount of gelatin is 25 mass% with respect to the total mass of the first mixture.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 90 °C. In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined temperature is 80 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes. In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined time period is 15 minutes.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stirring speed is 400 rpm.
In a second step, the first mixture is spray coated on a substrate to obtain a coated substrate.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate is selected from clothes, footwear, watches, and bags. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate is cloth. In another exemplary embodiment, the substrate is a footwear.
In a third step, the coated substrate is air dried under a relative humidity in the range of 30% to 50% at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain a dried gelatin base.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predetermined temperature is in the range of 20 °C to 40 °C. In an exemplary embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is 30 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 hours to 30 hours. In an exemplary embodiment, the second predetermined time period is 24 hours.
In an exemplary embodiment, the relative humidity is 40%.
In a fourth step, separately, a barcode containing information at least one selected from the group consisting of product ID, batch number, and URL related to product is generated.
In an exemplary embodiment, the barcode contains the information related to the product ID. In another exemplary embodiment, the barcode contains the information related to the batch number. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the barcode contains the information of URL related to the product.
In a fifth step, the barcode is printed with a UV fluorescent ink on the dried invisible gelatin base using an inkjet printer to obtain a film.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV fluorescent ink is selected from coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes. In an exemplary embodiment, the UV fluorescent ink is a water-based ink containing a coumarin-based dye.
In a sixth step, the film is dried at a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time period to obtain the water soluble anti-counterfeiting film.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third predetermined temperature is in the range of 25 °C to 50 °C. In an exemplary embodiment, the third predetermined temperature is 30 °C.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third predetermined time period is in the range of 20 hours to 30 hours. In an exemplary embodiment, the third predetermined time period is 24 hours.
The anti-counterfeiting film of the present disclosure is a very thin film of gelatin sheet (approximately 3cm x 3cm), in which Data Matrix code is printed which is invisible to the naked human eye. This Data Matrix code consists of information about that product and is used to verify that the product belongs to the respective company. This sticker is attached near the collar part of any apparel (Clothes). This sticker is water soluble, if water drop/humidity comes in contact with it, which will melt that sticker and cannot be used for the next time. The Data Matrix code is printed with UV fluorescent ink on this sticker, which is invisible to the naked eye. This holds the information about the product. This Invisible Data matrix code can be scanned using UV Barcode scanners. This device (UV Barcode Scanner) illuminates the UV light from 365 nm to 375 nm. Then the code is visible to the machine as well as to humans. This code is scanned and stored information is displayed on the screen to verify the data about the product.
If a customer attempts wardrobing or merchandise exchange, the fraud can be easily identified, unlike other types of fraud.
The UV fluorescent ink is naturally invisible to the naked eye and becomes visible only under UV light or when scanned with standard barcode scanners.
• Case 1: Using and returning the product- If the customer tries wardrobing fraud, the sticker attached will get vandalized due to sweat or washing, and the sticker will melt, and it mixes up the code and makes it impossible to scan that code. This makes the Barcode scanner unable to read, confirming that the customer had undergone Wardrobing fraud and the product cannot be processed for Return/Exchange.
• Case 2: Merchandise exchange (Returning similar-looking cheap products) - If the customer tries Merchandise exchange, as he/she cannot see the Data matrix code, he/she cannot copy that code and paste it on another similar product. When he/she tries to remove that sticker and attach it to another similar product, that sticker will be damaged as well as the code on it. If he/she tries to exchange another product, without this sticker cannot make it an authenticated product and cannot be processed for Return/Exchange. This confirms that the customer had undergone Merchandise exchange fraud.
The present disclosure combines two distinct fields-anti-counterfeiting and moisture-sensitive materials-to create a novel water soluble sticker designed to authenticate products and prevent merchandise fraud. The water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprises:
1. Invisible Data Matrix Code on Gelatin Film: The use of a thin film of gelatin with an invisible data matrix code printed on it represents a unique anti-counterfeiting solution. Unlike traditional barcodes that are visible to the naked eye, this data matrix code remains invisible unless exposed to UV light. This feature enhances security, as counterfeiters are unable to detect or reproduce the code without specialized equipment.
2. Moisture-Sensitive Authentication Mechanism: A highly novel aspect of the anti-counterfeiting film of the present disclosure is the integration of a moisture-sensitive gelatin film with a UV ink-printed 2D barcode. Gelatin, being water soluble, dissolves when exposed to moisture, such as sweat or water during washing. This dissolution process also destroys the data matrix code, ensuring that the product cannot be returned in a used or tampered condition. This self-destructive property is critical in preventing merchandise fraud, specifically "wardrobing," where customers return used or counterfeit goods disguised as new.
3. One-Time Use and Return Fraud Prevention: The anti-counterfeiting film of the present disclosure introduces a one-time use mechanism, where any attempt to tamper with or remove the gelatin sticker results in the destruction of the data matrix code. This feature serves as a strong deterrent against fraudulent returns, ensuring that the product remains authentic and in its original condition. The inability to replicate the invisible code and the fact that it is irreversibly damaged upon removal provided a robust defense against both online and in-store merchandise fraud.
4. Brand Authentication and Enhanced Security: By incorporating an invisible code that cannot be easily replicated or detected by customers, the anti-counterfeiting film of the present disclosure offers a significant advancement in brand authentication. The use of UV light for scanning ensures that only authorized personnel or machines can verify the authenticity of the product, thereby maintaining the brand's reputation and protecting against counterfeit goods in the market.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure is further described in light of the following experiments which are set forth for illustration purpose only and not to be construed for limiting the scope of the disclosure. The following experiments are scalable to industrial/commercial process.
EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
EXPERIMENT 1: A process for the preparation of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film
Example 1
Preparation of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film
30 g of gelatin was mixed in 90 mL of water and warmed to 80 °C under stirring at 400 rpm for 15 minutes to obtain a first mixture. The first mixture was coated on a cloth to obtain a coated substrate. The coated substrate was dried under a relative humidity of 40% at 30 °C for 24 hours to obtain a dried invisible gelatin base. Separately, a barcode containing information related to the product ID was generated. The barcode was printed with a water soluble coumarin based dye (UV fluorescent ink) on the dried invisible gelatin base to obtain a film. The film was dried at 30 °C for 24 hours to obtain the water soluble anti-counterfeiting film.
Experiment 2: Application of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film for counterfeit prevention
The anti-counterfeiting film was applied to 5 apparel items, labelled as Samples 1 to 5. These samples were provided to 5 different users for trials, and after the trials, all samples were returned. Upon return, the samples were analysed by subjecting the barcodes to UV light with a wavelength of 365 nm. The authenticity of the samples was verified using a barcode reader operating at the same UV wavelength as illustrated in Figure 1.
The barcode of Sample 1 was readable at 370 nm, indicating that the product was authentic and unused, as the anti-counterfeiting film remained intact.
The barcode of Sample 2 was not readable because the anti-counterfeiting film was damaged and melted, causing the code to distort and become unscannable. This indicated that the product had been tampered with, confirming that wardrobing fraud had occurred, and the product could not be processed for return or exchange.
The anti-counterfeiting films on Samples 3 and 4 were intact, and their barcodes were readable, suggesting that these products were unused and authentic.
The anti-counterfeiting film on Sample 5 was missing, suggesting that the product had been fully exchanged for a lower-quality item. Although the user replicated the conventional barcode attached to Sample 5, however, the user was unable to replicate the invisible anti-counterfeiting code from the water soluble film used in Example 1.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of:
- a water soluble anti-counterfeiting film, that
• prevents counterfeiting;
• helps to authenticate original products;
• helps to identify the original delivery packaging in the case of an online food delivery system;
• can be used to prevent the tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs),
- and a process for the preparation of a water soluble anti-counterfeiting film, that
• is simple and economical.
Throughout this specification the word "comprises", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step," or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Variations or modifications to the formulation of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications are well within the spirit of this invention.
The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising;
a) gelatin base; and
b) a data matrix code printed on said gelatin base,
wherein said film is characterized by having visibility when exposed to UV radiation and is invisible to naked eye.
2. The anti-counterfeiting film as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data matrix code is printed on said gelatin base by using a UV fluorescent ink selected from the group consisting of coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes.
3. The anti-counterfeiting film as claimed in claim 2, wherein
• said UV fluorescent ink absorbs UV radiation in the range of 250 nm to 380 nm; and
• said UV fluorescent ink emits radiation in the range of 365 nm to 375 nm.
4. The anti-counterfeiting film as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data matrix code encodes data in contrasting dark and light cells arranged in a grid (matrix).
5. The anti-counterfeiting film as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the film is in the range of 200 µm to 600 µm.
6. The film as claimed in claim 1, wherein said film is affixed to a substrate selected from the group consisting of clothes, footwear, watches, and bags.
7. A process for the preparation of water soluble anti-counterfeiting film comprising the following steps:
i. mixing a predetermined amount of gelatin in water at a first predetermined temperature under stirring at a speed in the range of 300 rpm to 500 rpm for a first predetermined time period to obtain a first mixture;
ii. spray coating said first mixture on a substrate to obtain a coated substrate;
iii. air drying said coated substrate under a relative humidity in the range of 30% to 50% at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain a dried gelatin base;
iv. separately generating a barcode containing information at least one selected from the group consisting of product ID, batch number, and URL related to product;
v. printing said barcode with a UV fluorescent ink on said dried invisible gelatin base using an inkjet printer to obtain a film; and
vi. drying said film at a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time period to obtain said water soluble anti-counterfeiting film.
8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein
• said predetermined amount of gelatin is in the range of 10 mass% to 30 mass% with respect to the total mass of said first mixture;
• said first predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 90 °C; and
• said first predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
9. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein
• said substrate is selected from clothes, footwear, watches, and bags;
• said second predetermined temperature is in the range of 20 °C to 40 °C; and
• said the second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 hours to 30 hours.
10. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein
• said UV fluorescent ink is selected from coumarin based dyes, fluorescein derivatives based dyes, rhodamine-based dyes, europium-doped phosphors based dyes, perylene-based dyes, and naphthylamide derivatives based dyes;
• said third predetermined temperature is in the range of 25 °C to 50 °C; and
• said third predetermined time period is in the range of 20 hours to 30 hours.

Dated this 09th Day of November, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA - 25
OF R. K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI

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