3M, Authentix and others launch International Authentication Association
Industry group will serve as a spokesman and lobbyist with media and government; eighteen companies band together to raise awareness of new anti-counterfeiting techniques; Johnson and Johnson’s David Howard is named chairman
It is not exactly the Elks Club, but those in the biometrics, digital watermarking, and identification businesses have a new place to hang their hats: the International Authentication Association, recently established by a group of eighteen “to educate government agencies, intergovernmental organisations and brand owners about the role and use of authentication.” There will be white papers and conferences for members as well, but the main purpose is in lobbying at the highest levels.
Founding members include: 3M Brand and Asset Protection; DuPont Authentication; Authentix; Hologram Company Rako; Payne Security; Hologram Industries; Schreiner ProSecure; NanoInk; tesa scribos; SICPA; TUV Rheinland; JDSU / Flex Products; ARmark Authentication Technologies; Solos IT; Honeywell; Johnson & Johnson; Label Systems Authentication; ACS Coding.
“Authentication technologies are on the front line of the war against counterfeiting every day, but many of us don’t realise it or appreciate the role they play in fighting counterfeits,” said David Howard of Johnson & Johnson Healthcare, who was elected chairman of the new group. “The IAA will change that, and build a better appreciation of the value of authentication in anti-counterfeiting strategy.” Other elected directors of the IAA include Randall Burgess of tesa scribos, Simon Wildash of Payne Security, Gunther Galfe of Schreiner ProSecure and Erin Kane of Honeywell.
-read more at the IAA Web site
