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WEM® Technology
WEM® Technology is a patented, laser-based authentication system that embeds physically non-replicable micro-structures directly into materials. Unlike printed security features or digital identifiers, WEM® relies on micrometer-scale three-dimensional surface geometry that cannot be duplicated—even with advanced laser or precision manufacturing systems.
This makes WEM® suitable for applications where technical authenticity, traceability, and material integrity are critical.
WEM® Solves Counterfeiting Where It Starts
Patented Watermark-Engraving Technology
・Authentication based on controlled light reflection and surface geometry
・Impossible to reproduce—even with advanced laser or precision manufacturing systems
・Customizable engraving specifications tailored to each product
Dedicated Authentication Application
・Fast visual and tactile pre-check
・High-precision verification using a dedicated app
・Compatible with smartphones, browser-based tools, and inspection terminals
Designed to Integrate with Existing Processes
・Works with tamper-evident stickers, direct engraving, and mold-transfer applications
・Flexible watermark size, geometry, and placement
・Optional integration with QR codes or serialized data
The Growing Challenge of Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting has evolved into a $3.85 trillion USD global problem, impacting industrial and regulated markets worldwide. Imitation‑prone goods now represent nearly one quarter of global exports, making visual and digital anti‑counterfeiting measures such as holograms and QR codes no longer sufficient. Manufacturers now require physically non-replicable solutions to protect product integrity, compliance, and supply chains.
The Scale of the Challenge
Estimated Damage from Counterfeiting to
Japanese Companies by Industry
(Unit: 100 million YEN)
Global Impact
Global Export Breakdown:
Imitation-Prone Industries
[Total: 3.85 Trillion USD]
Source: Japan Patent Office, "FY2021 Research Project on Estimated Counterfeit Damage by Industry in Japan – Final Report" (modified)
What is WEM® Technology ?
Developed by EUROKE-TECHNOPARTS, WEM® Technology is a patented anti-counterfeiting solution that authenticates products through micro-scale light-and-shadow patterns created by laser engraving. Authentication is based on a physically embedded three-dimensional structure, making replication is virtually impossible—delivering a level of security far beyond conventional technologies.
How It Works — Authenticity Guaranteed by Laser Watermarking
Physically Non-Replicable 3D Engraving
WEM® creates microscopic engravings—at the micrometer scale—directly on product surfaces or within molded components. The watermark is part of the material itself and cannot be removed, transferred, or copied like printed features. Authentication is based on optical behavior, providing durable, long‑term protection.
Patented Core Technology
A proprietary algorithm analyzes the light‑and‑shadow patterns produced by the engraving to verify authenticity. Verification can be performed online or offline using smartphones, browser‑based tools, or dedicated inspection devices.
Flexible, Application-Driven Design
Engraving parameters and authentication workflows are optimized for material properties, product design, and production conditions. Multiple implementation options ensure seamless integration into existing manufacturing and quality‑control processes.
Six Key Features of WEM® Technology
Patented, Physically Non-Replicable Authentication
Enlarged View of WEM® Code — “GENUINE” Engraving
The dedicated authentication app analyzes the light-and-shadow patterns of the engraved watermark to decrypt the code, enabling highly reliable authenticity verification.
- WEM® Micro Watermark : App‑readable optical watermark invisible to the naked eye. Physical geometry—not data—is the security element.
- WEM® Shine Watermark : Light‑activated feature for quick visual checks. Some watermark structures are detectable only through controlled illumination or app-based analysis.
- WEM® Chameleon Watermark : Angle-dependent optical verification. Watermarks may appear via tilt, directional light, or smartphone illumination.
- Self-Destruct Function :Tamper‑evident material that fractures on removal. Sticker-based implementations cannot be removed or reattached without destruction.
- WEM® Code : Encrypted 1D/2D security codes combined with physical watermarking. Size, pattern density, and encryption structure are optimized per application.
- WEM® Touch : Textured, non‑printable surface for tactile verification. Applicable to resin, metal, molded plastic, and layered substrates.
WEM® Technology Overview Video
Why WEM® Technology?
Designed for High-Risk, Regulated, and Industrial Environments
In industries such as automotive, electronics, and regulated manufacturing, authentication must withstand real-world conditions—not just visual inspection. Traditional technologies rely on copyable information or fragile components, creating gaps in security, reliability, and compliance.
WEM® Technology delivers a fundamentally different approach, embedding authentication directly into the physical structure of the product to ensure reliable verification across the entire lifecycle.
| Technology | Authentication Method | Security & Risk Profile | Design & Integration Flexibility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holograms | Visual inspection only | High risk of replication using widely available optical manufacturing tools | Limited flexibility; primarily cosmetic | |
| QR Codes | URL or database lookup (online required) | Vulnerable to copying, spoofing, and redirection to fraudulent sites | High information capacity, but security depends on external systems | |
| IC Tags (RFID/NFC) | Dedicated reader required | Susceptible to signal interference, data tampering, and environmental limitations (metal, moisture, heat) | Moderate flexibility; added cost and integration complexity | |
| WEM® Technology | Dedicated app with offline authentication | Physically non-replicable; authentication based on material structure, not copyable data | High flexibility across materials, designs, and manufacturing processes |
Limitations of Conventional Anti-contercounterfeiting Technologies
As counterfeiting methods advance, many traditional security technologies no longer provide reliable protection. Approaches based on visible features or digital identifiers are increasingly vulnerable to duplication or misuse.
Holograms
Limited resistance to modern replication techniques
QR codes
Vulnerable to duplication and URL manipulation
IC tags
Cost and environmental constraints limit applicability
WEM® provides authentication based on physical geometry rather than copyable information, addressing these limitations at the material level.
Implementation Methods
WEM® Technology supports multiple implementation methods, allowing authentication to be embedded in the most appropriate way based on product design, material, production volume, and regulatory requirements. Each approach is engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing and quality-control processes.
Sticker Application
Tamper-Evident Authentication
.Non-reusable stickers applied to products or packaging.
✔ Best for: Authenticity seals, certification labels
✔ Key benefit: Self-destructive design prevents removal or reuse
✔ Typical uses:: High-value goods, collectibles, premium packaging
Direct Product Marking
Laser Engraved Authentication
Permanent engraving applied directly to metal or resin surfaces.
✔ Best for: Industrial components, automotive and electronic parts
✔ Key benefit: Embedded security without altering product design
✔ Typical uses: Parts requiring long-term traceability
Mold Transfer
Built-In Authentication at Scale
WEM® marks are engraved into molds and transferred during injection molding.
✔ Best for: High-volume production
✔ Key benefit: No post-processing required
✔ Typical uses: Plastic components, caps, housings
FAQ
Getting started with WEM® Technology is a straightforward, collaborative process that allows you to find the best option to fit your product and manufacturing environment. The steps are as follows:
Steps to Implementation
WEM® Technology is designed to work across a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes. Depending on your product and application, it can be implemented using:
- Tamper-evident stickers for products or packaging
- Direct engraving on metal or resin components
- Mold-embedded transfer for plastic caps, housings, and molded parts
This flexibility allows WEM® to integrate seamlessly into automotive, electronics, and regulated production environments.
Yes. WEM® authentication does not rely on a single feature or data point.
The dedicated authentication app analyzes multiple structural elements of the engraved mark, enabling reliable verification even if part of the watermark is worn, scratched, or partially damaged.
No, practical replication is not possible.
Each WEM® mark is generated using a client-specific proprietary algorithm, resulting in a unique three-dimensional structure that cannot be reverse-engineered. The authentication app is designed to recognize only genuine marks created through this algorithm.
No. One of the key advantages of WEM® Technology is that authentication can be performed 100% offline using the dedicated smartphone app. No server, cloud connection, or network access is required—making it well suited for factory floors, inspections, and field use.
WEM® Technology supports multiple authentication options to fit different operational environments and workflows. Authentication can be performed using the following devices: a dedicated smartphone app, a browser-based tool, or through integration with existing inspection systems and equipment.
This flexibility allows WEM® to align seamlessly with manufacturing, quality control, and compliance processes without disrupting current operations.