prove of provenance

Employ product identifiers and optional EMV Smart tags, embeddable in various products, for seamless authentication through the Mastercard Blockchain and Authorization Network. This enables efficient tracking of high-value items throughout their creation, transfer, and distribution phases.

The Problem

LVMH dedicated $15 million—half of its communications budget—to combat counterfeiting. This investment supports consumer education and a specialized team of 60, working alongside 250 agents and lawyers who carry out approximately 6,000 raids each year. In 2015, Interpol seized over 20.7 million counterfeit pills and medications. Notably, 30% of pharmaceuticals in developing countries are found to be counterfeit.

According to the Global Brand Counterfeiting Report 2018, global counterfeiting reached $1.2 trillion in 2017 and is projected to escalate to $1.82 trillion by 2020. This figure encompasses a broad range of counterfeit products, from electronics to luxury goods like jewelry and watches.

The solution

Mastercard Authentication Platform, a new platform that will be hosted by MasterCard for Product Authentication.

• MAP can be accessible via MasterCard Network (BankNET) and using OpenAPIs via Cloud.

• MAP solution uses SmartTag (EMV Chip + NFC) for product authentication and tracking.

• SmartTag will be embedded in products or packages by manufacturers.

• Consumers and law enforcement agencies can validate products using mobile devices.

• Merchants can utilise existing card terminals for product validation and supply chain management.

Architecture overview

Luxury sector

Jewellery Sector

Pharmaceutical sector