Counterfeits are an increasing concern for the global economy. To curb the threat, International organisations such as the Authentication Solution Provider’s Association (ASPA Global) have taken up arms. Vikas Jain, CEO and founder of Acviss and governing body member of ASPA Global have an insightful discussion sharing his perspectives on brand protection, evolving stages of anti-counterfeiting technologies and their critical importance in the phygital era.
What led you to establish Acviss and join ASPA?
Acviss was born from my own adverse experiences. From the fake baby products to the counterfeit plywood I encountered nudged me to protect the helpless consumers around me. My vision is to create a world where authenticity and trust in products are a priority. Our primary mission is to provide innovative solutions to secure brands, ensure product authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. Joining the governing body of ASPA Global was a natural extension of my commitment to fighting counterfeiting. Their mission to promote ethical and regulated practices in authentication reflects my values and the objectives of Acviss.
As a governing body member of ASPA Global, what is your role and how does it align with your work at Acviss?
My role involves collaborating with industry leaders and experts to advocate for and implement best practices in authentication and anti-counterfeiting. This aligns rightly with my work at Acviss, where our goal is to continuously innovate and refine our solutions to meet the growing challenges.
How does ASPA Global contribute to the global fight against counterfeiting?
The organisation focuses on four key areas: awareness, advocacy, research and innovation. We conduct awareness programs to educate stakeholders, partner with industry and regulatory bodies to endorse supportive policies, invest in research to understand and devise strategies and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies among our members. We frequently host conferences and webinars to share best practices and innovative solutions, bringing together experts to discuss and address new trends and challenges.
Can you discuss any specific projects you are leading or contributing to within ASPA Global?Currently, I am involved in developing a comprehensive framework for integrating blockchain, AI and other advanced tech into authentication solutions. At Acviss we were able to achieve a breakthrough in integrating AI into the labelling system, creating a multi-layered product authentication solution we call the “Yellow Label”. This aims to improve the product traceability and security of products across various industries.
How important is industry collaboration in the efforts led by ASPA Global?
Industry collaboration is vital. The fight against counterfeiting requires a united effort from all stakeholders, including manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and consumers. ASPA facilitates this collaboration by providing platforms for dialogue, sharing best practices and promoting joint initiatives. Together, we can create more effective and sustainable anti-counterfeiting solutions.
How does ASPA Global support its members, what are the benefits of a company becoming a member?
ASPA opens several opportunities including access to research, technical expertise and guidance. The organisation has over 80 members now from across the globe. So the wealth of information is vast. We leverage that and offer training programs, workshops and networking opportunities to help members stay updated on the latest developments in authentication technologies. Anti-counterfeiting is a collective effort and our goal is to support and empower our members to be equipped technically and up-to-date with the industry trends
Can you share the latest events or conferences organised by ASPA Global?
Yes, we had a Food Safety Conference in June. I was a panellist for a discussion on improving the food and beverage supply chain security. Several other dignitaries joined us and many food, beverage and nutraceutical brand owners and key personnel participated in the event. These events give us a better understanding of current happenings. Several events are planned, including our annual conference, which brings together industry leaders, policymakers and experts. We also host webinars and workshops throughout the year to provide ongoing education and updates on emerging technologies and best practices.
How is Acviss fighting counterfeits and providing better brand protection solutions?
Acviss stands out due to our patented labelling system, which makes products tamper-proof and easily traceable throughout the supply chain. We leverage AI, ML and Blockchain technologies to offer an end-to-end approach to brand protection solutions. Our unique, non-cloneable security codes, combined with AI and machine learning algorithms, protect physical products and scan the digital landscape to remove fake product listings. Plus, our R&D team is constantly pushing the technological barrier to refine our solutions and provide a better experience for the customers. Over 80 brands now use our solution protecting 2 billion-plus products globally. Our major focus is to create a holistic approach that ensures every aspect of a brand’s identity is secure.
