ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 10 -- Combining the award-winning technologies of two world-leading companies, Merck KGaA and Eastman Kodak Company, KODAK TRACELESS Color Shifting Inks deliver a one-two punch in the fight against counterfeiting. Kodak is making it easier than ever for brand owners to safeguard their brands and products with a new solution that provides both overt and ultra covert protection in one simple step. Developed for brand owners that are taking proactive steps in the battle against counterfeiting, including manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, and luxury goods, this latest addition to Kodak's security portfolio makes implementing a layered security strategy simple and cost-effective.

"To stop today's sophisticated counterfeiters, brand owners need the backing of global partners with the technology and resources to help them develop their best defense," said Robert Taylor, General Manager, Security Solutions, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "Kodak and Merck have joined forces to develop a singular process that provides a double layer of protection, giving peace of mind to brand owners, consumers and retailers and putting potential counterfeiters on notice."

Color-shifting inks, when applied to a product or package, change color when the angle of view changes. They allow brand owners, retailers and consumers to immediately see that the products that they sell, purchase and use are authentic. In addition to a visible layer of protection, KODAK TRACELESS Color Shifting Inks offer a unique feature: a second ultra covert layer of protection through embedded KODAK TRACELESS Markers. These markers can only be detected with the handheld KODAK TRACELESS Imaging Reader, providing a dual layer of security with one easy to implement process. Unlike many color-shifting inks currently available, KODAK TRACELESS Color Shifting Inks are press-ready inks with the TRACELESS markers already added. This means they are ready to use, avoiding the need to purchase pigments from one supplier, varnish from another, and mixing the components onsite.

 "To succeed and stay competitive, global companies need a multilayered strategy to avoid the multifaceted challenges that counterfeiting creates," said Dr. Michael Weiden, Senior Director, Global Business Unit Printing Plastic Security, Merck KGaA. "The effectiveness of Merck's pigments combined with the flexibility of the KODAK TRACELESS System for Anticounterfeiting gives brand owners unparalleled security and reliability through an easy to implement solution that can only come from two companies with a breadth of experience in the industries most affected by counterfeiting."

 EMD Chemicals, the North American chemical sector of Merck KGaA and a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has teamed with Kodak to provide this solution. EMD Chemicals provides its pigments for the KODAK TRACELESS Color Shifting Inks.

"Just as manufacturers rely on Kodak to provide them with solutions to secure their brands, manufacturers and printers worldwide rely on EMD Chemicals to bring eye-catching and attractive colors and effects to their products and packaging," said Luiz Vieira, VP PLS/Pigments and Rona Pigments, EMD Chemicals. "This collaboration between EMD Chemicals and Kodak is a natural fit that truly benefits brand owners, giving them a powerful, reliable tool in the fight against fakes."

KODAK TRACELESS Color Shifting Inks are available in seven color pairs that can easily integrate with today's innovative package designs. They are printed using standard flexographic printing with UV curing.

KODAK Security Solutions leverage Kodak's expertise in material science, digital imaging, document imaging, and graphic communications to create a broad portfolio of products and technologies that protect against counterfeiting. KODAK Security Solutions are backed by KODAK Service and Support, with more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.