Examination of Trademarks on the Basis of Chemical Examination: A Case Report

Authors: Nongdhar B* and Lapang M

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000260

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

In the field of Forensic Physics, trademark examination of a material provides as a mean to identify the genuineness of goods of a particular manufacturer and gives an indication of its origin/owner, or establishes a connection in the course of trade. A Forensic Physics Expert mostly encounters cases related to identification of genuine trademark on the basis of comparison. The most prevalent method adopts by Experts to determine the genuineness of trademarks are based mainly on the comparison of the physical parameters/dimensions of the engraved mark like Logo, Brand Name, Serial Number, size, shape etc. However, there are instances where the Forensic Experts faces the problem of identifying the genuineness of trademarks in mechanical devices of motor vehicles as the engraved marks or punched marks on the duplicate spare parts shows similar trademark and physical dimensions/ parameters as that of a genuine one. Hence, a conclusive opinion is difficult to arrive at on the basis of such comparison. A solution to the above problem to restore a numeral or alphabet on a suspected surface is achieved by applying a chemical solution like the etching reagent. This reagent when applied on the surface of both genuine and suspected surface, the intensity of chemical reaction on symbols such as Logo, Brand Name, Serial number varies widely on the above two surfaces. This method hence proved that it is more effective in solving the problem of identification of genuine spare part from a duplicate one.

Keywords: Trademarks; Chemical solution; Etching reagent; Logo; Brand name; Serial number; Hard metallic surface

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