The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for marking/tagging objects for identification. In particular, tagging objects with a nucleic acid taggant (genetic tag based merchandise authentication).

A hybrid heat transfer label assembly and method for producing the label assembly are provided. The label assembly includes a carrier layer, a non-digitally printed protective layer disposed above the carrier layer, a digitally printed layer disposed above the non-digitally printed protective layer, and a non-digitally printed layer disposed above the digitally printed layer. The non-digitally printed protective layer, the digitally printed layer, and the non-digitally printed layer form a label that is configured to separate from the carrier layer and adhere to an article upon application of heat to the carrier layer.

The marker of the degree of release of elements that are difficultly or slowly biodegradable (harmful elements) into the environment for objects consisting of an element (1, 1′, 1″) with a structure which ostensibly modifies the appearance thereof at a rate in accordance with the wear of the fabric of the article (2) for which it is intended, warning the user about it. Said element consists of a button (1) or a label (1′) comprising two layers that are different in appearance, a surface one (11) and a central or lower one (12), the outer one (11) being “able to be worn out” until it disappears at a rate in accordance with the fabric of the article (2). In another variant, the element is a seam (1″) consisting of a thread that is “able to be worn out” until it disappears at the rate in accordance with the deterioration of the fabric of the article (2) for which it is intended.

Systems and methods of using ultrasonic welding to form labels with RFID tags are disclosed. The methods can be useful for the production of a large volume of labels such as production with roll-to-roll processing. The labels can be useful for consumer products such as garments. The present invention discloses in one embodiment, a label having a first and second printed fabric label layer such that a radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay is disposed between the two printed fabric layers.

Systems and methods for allowing sight impaired or blind persons to identify articles of clothing utilizing “smart labels” which comprise identification information, wherein the identification information is contained in, represented by, or interpretable via raised indicia (e.g., raised lettering or Braille), smart codes, global positioning system (GPS) technology, magnetic stripes, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, near field communication (NFC) technology, microprocessors, Bluetooth technology, or combinations thereof. These smart labels are unaffected by normal usage such as washing, folding and crumpling to allow sight impaired or blind persons to tactually, or via an electronic interpretation device, e.g., personal computer, a smartphone, computer tablet, magnetic stripe reader, NFC communicator, RFID reader, or Bluetooth device, comprehend the identification information of the smart label.

A device for tracking wear of a garment and related methods includes a counter body and an indicator. The counter body has a first indicia and a second indicia thereon. The indicator movably connects to the counter body and is configured to be selectively positioned relative to each of the first indicia and the second indicia for selectively aligning the indicator relative to the first indicia or the second indicia. The first indicia is different than the second indicia such that the indicator in alignment with the first indicia is configured to communicate a first wear state of the garment to a user and the indicator in alignment with the second indicia is configured to communicate a second wear state of the garment to the user.

The clothing line with attachable pockets and interchangeable patches is a kit that includes a plurality of garments, one or more pocket structures, a plurality of patches, and a plurality of garment seams. Each garment seam selected from the plurality of garment seams attaches an individual pocket structure selected from the plurality of pocket structures to an individual garment selected from the plurality of garments. Each individual patch removably inserts into an individual pocket structure such that the image applied to the individual patch is visible through the individual pocket structure from the exterior of the individual garment. The clothing line with attachable pockets and interchangeable patches enables the image displayed on any individual patch to be readily moved and displayed from the first individual garment to any second individual garment selected from the plurality of garments.

An environmentally friendly heat transfer label includes a carrier, a graphic layer including at least one ink layer formed from at least one substantially solid ink formulation, and an adhesive layer formed from a substantially solid heat activated adhesive formulation. The heat transfer label is configured to be substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

A system and method for prominently propagating advertisements and messages from a garment. The system and method provide a washable fabric section that contains a waterproof Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, and a logo label. The NFC tag and the logo label are disposed adjacent to each other, and separated by a fold line for easy visible delineation. The washable fabric section is integrated, possibly through sewing, into the washable fabric section. The washable fabric section, with the NFC tag and the logo is disposed at a prominently visible location on the garment, so as to enable widespread distribution of the advertisement or message through NFC technology. An NFC reader scans the NFC tag to read the data contained therein, which may include a web site, a social media platform, advertisements, and messages.

A patch for displaying a visual representation is provided. The patch includes a first layer including the visual representation, a second layer coupled to the first layer such that a pocket is formed between the first and second layers, and a communication chip disposed within the pocket. The communication chip includes a memory having stored thereon first content associated with the visual representation, and a transceiver configured to transmit the first content to an electronic device based on the electronic device being physically disposed within a predetermined distance of the communication chip configured to trigger the transmission of the first content. Upon receipt by the electronic device, the first content is configured to cause the electronic device to display at least one of the first content and additional content associated with the first content on a display of the electronic device.