What it is?
Watermarks are a security features directly integrated into the substrate, typically paper. By holding the document against a light source, the watermarks become visible.
How do you detect it?
Watermark detection is performed with the naked eye by following a certain process. The user must be properly trained to draw a reliable conclusion.
How does it work?
In general watermarks are produced by varying the thickness of the substrate, typically paper, resulting in brighter/whiter colors where the paper is thinner and when held against a light source.
What do we think about this technology?
Traditional watermarks are heavily used in the banknote industry. However, they are generally inappropriate for brand protection. Indeed, they must be applied on a translucid area of the product, which is rarely available in practice. Moreover, it is not really secure since cheap look-alike can be made using varnish printing. Watermarks can be efficiently replaced by Cryptoglyph® technology which is easier to deploy from a manufacturing perspective and highly more challenging to counterfeit.
Field of application
Banknotes, official documents, letter head papers and certificates.
