Rutt J.S.
Foley & Lardner LLP, US
Keywords: brand, counterfeiting, IP, nanotechnology, RFID
The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of global medicines are fake. Moreover, organized crime has become involved in counterfeiting at an international level, and prospects of terrorism also lurk. Indeed, counterfeiting is a growing, global problem affecting every industry. However, counterfeiting can be fought with advanced technology including nanotechnology. In addition to the necessity to stop counterfeiting, a need exists to use advanced nanotechnology to prevent diversion of products intended for a particular market (grey market diversion). Supply chains must be better managed. Brand protection owners in the private sector and governments increasingly need to strike out against those that reduce the value of their brand and take away profits. They are turning to nanotechnology for answers. Public health issues are also at stake as the drug supply has become adulterated. The trick, however, is to find complex, platform nanotechnology which cannot be duplicated, but can be used inexpensively in a variety of applications ranging from medicines, to spare parts, to luxury items. A review of the needs, technology solutions, players, intellectual property strategy, patent landscape, and licensing will be presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 616 - 619
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Manufacturing
ISBN: 1-4200-6182-8