New Holographic Label to Combat Counterfeiters

UL introduced a new holographic UL Mark that will be required in 32 common consumer product areas, including power supply cords, nightlights and ceiling fans.

Anti-Counterfeiting Label: • Gold Background • Color Shifting Ink • Repeating Pattern of Floating UL Symbols • Convert Security Features

The redesigned label incorporates cutting-edge technology, elevated security features and a unique hologram design, making it easy to identify and validate, yet incredibly difficult to replicate.

“UL’s new holographic label is the most recent element in our efforts to protect and enhance the integrity of our UL Mark,” said Brian Monks, UL’s Vice-President of Anti-Counterfeiting Operations. “The new label technology will further help retailers, customs officials and other law enforcement agencies around the world determine the legitimacy of UL Marked products.”

The new label was introduced at the 2008 International Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference, an international consortium of law enforcement and intellectual property crime experts.

UL first introduced a holographic label in 1996, since then has continually redesigned it and added security features, each time making it increasingly difficult for potential counterfeiters to reproduce. Distinct features of the new hologram label include:

Additionally, UL has added another level of security via the UL Authenticator, a special credit card-size device that authorities can use to better identify counterfeit products.

The new holographic label is available for manufacturers on July 1, 2008. It will be required worldwide on all new production in the 32 hologram categories starting July 1, 2009.

If consumers suspect a product may have a counterfeit UL Mark, they can contact UL by e-mailing anticounterfeiting@us.ul.com.

For additional tips on how to identify a counterfeit label, visit the UL Newsroom at www.ul.com/newsroom.

For general information about counterfeiting and UL’s partnership in global anti-counterfeiting efforts, visit www.ul.com/ace.