NFC tags can be read using a smartphone (left), which displays the result of authentication. BE@RBRICK TM & © 2001-2022 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

NFC tags embedded into popular BE@RBRICK figures enable authentication using smartphones

Tokyo – Toppan, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, offers a platform for authentication, monitoring of grey market diversion, and supply chain management via use of smartphones to read product NFC tags and ID devices. The platform has been adopted for du-al.io™, a new anti-counterfeit solution from Medicom Toy Corporation (Medicom Toy) and Hakuhodo Product’s Inc. (Hakuhodo Product’s).

du-al.io™ is being employed for three recently released BE@RBRICK toys, which are bear-shaped block-style figures produced and sold by Medicom Toy. The lineup protected by du-al.io™ will be expanded going forward. Customers can verify authenticity by holding their smartphones over the Toppan NFC tag embedded in the right leg of each BE@RBRICK.

Medicom Toy has been impacted by numerous BE@RBRICK imitations and has therefore partnered with Hakuhodo Product’s to develop du-al.io™, enabling both digital and physical authentication, to eliminate risks associated with counterfeits circulating unchecked. This includes preventing damage to the brand and loss of revenue as well as negative impacts on consumers who purchase imitation goods believing them to be genuine.

As a platform for strengthening engagement by brands, du-al.io™ is expected to be used for collectable toys and art, luxury fashion, and high-end sporting and outdoor goods. Toppan has provided Medicom Toy with high-security NFC tags and the verification functions of its cloud-based ID authentication platform as key elements of the solution.

“We are very pleased that our platform has been adopted for du-al.io™ and will use this as a launchpad for expanding sales,” said Takamitsu Nakabayashi, general manager of RFID/IoT and security development in Toppan’s DX Design Division. “Going forward, we will bolster functions to prevent grey market diversion and enhance customer engagement features to provide clients with an end-to-end solution to both protect and promote their brands.”

For more information on the features of Toppan’s cloud-based ID authentication platform: https://www.toppan.com/en/news/2021/05/newsrelease210518e.html.