Kodak to use anti-counterfeiting measures on camera batteries

Counterfeit batteries and chargers are a legitimate problem for electronics manufacturers -- faulty components tend to go up in (literal) smoke, and have even caused deaths -- so we can totally see why Kodak has decided to join Nokia and NEC in decided to employing an anti-counterfeiting system in its digital camera batteries. The system, called TRACELESS, uses invisible markers that can be mixed directly into thermally-printed barcode labels, and can only be detected by handheld Kodak readers. Apparently Kodak's already deployed the system in the pharmaceutical, wine, and cosmetics industries, and the results seems to have inspired a little cockiness -- Philip Faraci, Kodak's president, says counterfeiters should simply stop tying to replicate Kodak's batteries, "because [they] simply won't be able to do it." That kind of confidence has apparently convinced Sanyo to license out the tech for its cams as well, but Kodak hasn't said anything about legitimate third party accessory manufacturers -- which has us a little worried, to be sure.

[Daniel @ Jan 9th 2008 1:04PM]

Of course they don't want anyone making 3rd party batteries. They'd rather consumers buy their terrible batteries that need to replaced every year or less, instead of allowing 3rd parties from making better batteries that are cheaper and longer lasting, up to 4 to 5 years. This has nothing to do with yours and mine security and well being. Sony and Kodak are the only brands I know of that don't have other 3rd party batteries to choose from, but at least Sony batteries are usually designed well.

This is coming from the same company who can't even put a wall charger in their box unlike all other brands, it's sold separately. Kodak continues to prove how poor of a camera company they have become.

[tom @ Jan 9th 2008 1:55PM]

Sony batteries designed well? HA! Remember the recall on lappy batteries?

[tom @ Jan 9th 2008 1:56PM]

Sony batteries designed well? HA! Remember the recall on lappy batteries?

[Ghen @ Jan 9th 2008 1:14PM]

"simply won't be able to do it"

BD+ anyone?

Don't knock the hive mind.

[ohng @ Jan 9th 2008 1:52PM]

If your camera blows up and kills you because of a battery, Kodak will be able to claim, without a doubt, that they aren't at fault. This isn't meant to prevent counterfeit batteries, rather it's meant to help Kodak avoid being sued.

I wonder what will happen the first time this technology is challenged in court. Will Kodak release the technique and, as a result, win that case but lose their IP? Police radar manufacturers won't release their software in court, so a number of speeding violators have gotten off.

[Spyvie @ Jan 9th 2008 1:16PM]

How can this protect consumers if it "can only be detected by handheld Kodak readers"

[silverblackvoid @ Jan 9th 2008 1:28PM]

good point

[Matt @ Jan 9th 2008 2:33PM]

Kodak is NOT trying to prevent people from using other batteries, only batteries that are labeled as Kodak that are not ACTUALLY Kodak batteries...for counterfeiters, not other battery manufacturers.

[SteveMB @ Jan 9th 2008 4:48PM]

I ACTUALLY agree with YOU.

[Phisrow @ Jan 9th 2008 3:14PM]

I'm actually OK with this. Interoperable third party products are good and any attempt to lock them out is seriously not OK(Lexmark's DMCA attempt, chipped ink cartridges, etc.). Counterfeit products are bad, though. If you don't want to buy Kodak, you should have the option to buy something else; but if you buy and pay for Kodak, you should get Kodak.

As long as this tracer material ensures truth in labelling, I'm all for it. If Kodak cameras start scanning every battery you put in, and rejecting anything they don't like, then the idea can rot in hell.