Importance

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Abstract

An inventory and tracking system based on a labeling system is disclosed. Labels are provided for affixation to the product or product container. Each label includes, in addition to the standard information associated the product, a hologram associated with the product and a machine readable code. The machine readable code on each unit of product includes at least one set of unique machine readable identifiers that uniquely identifies each product unit. In addition, the hologram can include the trademark of the manufacturer or supplier, to permit the consumer to ascertain at a glance that the product originates from a source of known quality. The label on each unit is scanned before shipment and the destination of each unit of product is entered and stored. As the units of product are distributed through the distribution chain, the units are scanned, the destinations are stored and the information on the destination of the individual units of product are provided to the manufacturer, who maintains a master database that cross-references the machine readable identifier with the location of the product unit in the distribution chain. This master database also provides a historical record of the transit of each unit through the distribution chain. With this information in the master database, the manufacturer can determine the point at which the product entered the stream of commerce and whether or not the product entered the stream of commerce through an authorized source of distribution. Also, the manufacturer can quickly determine from the holographic label whether the product is authentic. The presence or absence of the unique machine readable identifier and hologram can confirm the product's authenticity or lack thereof.

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First Claim