Combat counterfeiting: 3 ways cloud labeling protects your retail brand

Can you spot the difference between a real and a fake luxury handbag? More importantly, can your customers?  

Counterfeit products are a major threat to the retail industry. These items not only harm a brand's reputation but also result in significant financial losses and undermine consumer trust. The solution? Cloud labeling.  

Secure labels to verify authenticity 

At first glance, counterfeit products can look nearly identical to the genuine item. However, the key difference lies in secure labeling. Counterfeiters attempt to replicate serial numbers, brand tags, and care labels to fake authenticity, however subtle flaws give them away.  

Cloud labeling is crucial for verifying product authenticity by embedding secure and traceable identifiers into each product's label. Using advanced technologies like QR codes, RFID tags, and serialized data, cloud-based labels give each item a digital identity that enables real-time authentication and tracking from manufacturer to retailer. Consumers can also verify a product’s authenticity with a simple smartphone scan, ensuring they’re purchasing genuine items. 

This not only protects consumers but also safeguards the brand’s reputation and prevents counterfeit goods from entering the market. 

Harnessing AI technologies 

Companies across all industries, retail included, are turning to advanced technologies in the fight against counterfeiting, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role. According to our research, 78% of businesses believe AI can be useful in analyzing data to identify counterfeit goods, enabling businesses to evaluate vast amounts of supply chain data in real time. This can detect anomalies and identify patterns that signal counterfeit activity, providing actionable insights that stop fakes from circulating in the marketplace. 

Additionally, AI analytics combined with serialization technologies allow organizations to anticipate vulnerabilities within their supply chain, enabling them to take proactive countermeasures. By investing in a cloud-based labeling platform that can support these advanced technologies, organizations can create a more secure and resilient supply chain ecosystem, in turn strengthening product integrity and maintaining consumer trust. 

Protect your profits 

The clothing industry is heavily impacted by counterfeit goods, losing almost €12 billion of annual revenue in the EU alone, according to EUIPO research.  

Implementing cloud labeling strategies across your supply chain not only helps protect your brand but also saves money in the long run. By preventing counterfeit products from entering the market, brands can avoid the financial losses associated with lost sales, damage to brand reputation, and the cost of addressing legal and customer service issues. 

Safeguard your brand today 

In a world where counterfeiters are becoming more sophisticated, how is your company protecting itself? Secure labeling is a crucial defense, ensuring authenticity, safeguarding your brand, and maintaining consumer trust. Learn how we can help by contacting our team today.