IHMA launches Security Image Register (SIR)

The former Hologram Image Register for the authentication community, has been expanded and rebranded as the Security Image Register (SIR), in a move that reflects the global security holography industry. The sophistication of holograms has evolved in recent years and are being incorporated and integrated with other optical variable devices (OVD) technologies to provide holistic, added value and advanced authentication and anti-counterfeiting solutions.

The expanded register is designed to introduce image registration to the full spectrum of optical security manufacturers. It provides a global database that protects the security image by recording and identifying all copyright associated with each design and manufacture of a security image. Each registration will be allocated a unique reference number that can be tracked to support authentication of the image and its copyright. 

The copyright and IP section of the SIR secure portal offers advantages to IHMA members. It reduces the time taken for registration, which is a fully online process where artwork is submitted electronically to provide quicker design checks. The hologram producer or supplier submitting a design search will need to ensure they have the authorisation of their customers to use copyrighted artwork provided for use in the final hologram.

This is achieved by acceptance in the portal of warranties and indemnities to that effect, speeding up the verification process, ensures copyright / IP is clearly identified and protects for all parties.

The centrally held global database of secure holograms will continue to be operated on behalf of the IHMA by the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau that supports ISO14298 on behalf of members.

The SIR will be available to hologram producers, manufacturers of other optical variable devices, security printers and designers of documents. It will also be available to central government and  institutions such as central banks, revenue authorities and passport issuers, through their security image suppliers.

It will enable them to verify that their security hologram design, or elements of a hologram design, do not infringe copyright or allow the unintentional copy of existing security holograms. The image registration is completed once the design has received clearance.

The SIR will also be accessible to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to check for the provenance of a design when they need information on a suspect hologram.

Paul Dunn, chair of IHMA, said, “The new look SIR reflects a sector, where hologram technology is a part of an integrated security to protect brands, profits and people. It reflects the way holograms and OVDs are designed and used, facilitating an increase in the registration of images, and securing their integrity.”

The SIR includes nearly 10,000 registrations and counting. It has helped to prevent attempts to source copy holograms as well as helped to confirm that suspect holograms were fakes. This in turn, helped support the law enforcement authorities in their pursuit  of the counterfeiters.

ISO 14298 – Management of Security Printing (and Security Foil) Processes specifies requirements for the management of security printing processes. Its goals are: To improve the security for the industry in regards to security printing and aid the fight against fraud and forgery. To reduce trade barriers by encouraging uniform practices around the world. And satisfy clients’ increasing security needs.