Systems and Methods for Interrupting Traditional Counterfeiting Workflows

The use of counterfeit identification documents, including birth certificates and passports, is rising within the US. The processes for generating counterfeit documents are advancing, almost matching the legitimate document printing processes. Enhanced anti-counterfeit technology is needed to deter counterfeiting methods.

Researchers at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the Department of State, developed the Systems and Methods for Interrupting Traditional Counterfeiting Workflows (SMIT). SMIT presents methods to obscure how artwork in genuine security documents is designed and printed, making such artwork harder to counterfeit. SMIT includes a novel press and plate setup in which the artwork on each plate corresponds only to a portion of the composite image. The system also minimizes artwork cues in printed composite images, limiting reverse engineering and enabling easier counterfeit identification. A related DHS patent family [see Advanced Anti-Counterfeit Security Elements] includes printing advanced design elements on sensitive documents to prevent counterfeit replicates.

For a more detailed description download the PDF below.