Laser engraving of precious metal artifacts (UniqueMark® deterministic path) published

The European patent (EP3846107), entitled “Computer-Implemented Method For Preparing An Original Marked Object With A Higher Level Of Security Against Adulteration And Counterfeiting Through A Deterministic Design, Computing Device, Computer Programs, Computer- Readable Data Carrier And Device Adapted For The Preparation Of The Object”, whose registrants are INCM and the University of Coimbra, and whose technology was invented and developed by VisTeam, was published by the European Patent Office with date 2/oct/2024. This invention presents a solution to mark objects of precious metals (other materials too) to create a unique identity. The applications include assay marking of precious metal artifacts using laser engraving. This main innovation presented by this patent is the ability to create unicity for each marking instantiation using laser engraving. Despite the fact that the laser path is a deterministic mathematical curve, the effects on the object surface are always dependent on chaotic functions and, consequently, create a PUF – Physically Unclonable Function, unable to be reproduced or exactly replicated, ending up in a unique assay marking. One object, one identity. For more details, please read the official patent page (also here).