TSSI Launches OptiGard™ Security Hologram for Branded Products

PISEC 2007 - TSSI Systems, the document and personnel identity specialist, today announced the launch of OptiGard, a food grade high security hologram targeted at preventing the counterfeiting of branded goods or high value documents.

OptiGard™ is a hot foil hologram that combines the overt security of a hologram with a covert, machine-readable feature for simple (genuine or counterfeit) authentication. Once fixed to a product the OptiGard™ hologram can be inspected visually and then interrogated using a hand-held device if it is suspected of being a fake.

According to The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, counterfeiting costs the UK economy an estimated £10bn per year and is responsible for putting almost 4,100 people out of work. At the same time, buying fake goods also helps to fund other criminal activities such as drug dealing and money laundering, through to international organised crime and terrorism.

TSSI Systems is targeting OptiGard™ at brand owners and security printers with the aim of preventing forgery in the retail sector or high value printed documents. Potential applications for the technology range from commodity items including cigarettes, alcohol, CDs, DVDs and software through to luxury goods including clothing and fashion items.

“Counterfeit goods cost brand owners millions of pounds per year and damage the profile of a brand. OptiGard™ is an incredibly effective way of preventing this cost in both financial terms and loss of reputation,” said Stewart Hefferman, COO, TSSI Systems.

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About TSSI
TSSI, based in Swindon, UK, is leading supplier of technology solutions for the verification of personnel and documents. Its document verification, fingerprint biometrics and identification systems are used in over 20 countries worldwide; wherever proving the identity of individuals or documents is a necessity. TSSI's target markets include healthcare entities, retailers, airports and financial institutions. Its blue chip customer list includes Group 4 Securicor, NHS and the John Lewis Partnership. For further information visit: www.tssi.co.uk.

For further information visit: www.tssi.co.uk or contact Raz Sheikh on marketing@tssi.co.uk or on +44 1793 747 700.