Inspiration
The inspiration for this project began when we were researching previously made solutions for counterfeiting. We discovered the problem with barcodes was that they remained cheap and unreliable, which encouraged our idea of creating highly sophisticated barcodes with strong security systems to implement within product markets and prevent counterfeiting.
What it does
The barcode is a virtual entity that has the infrastructure of UPC-A and the security of Code 39-type barcodes. However, the barcode also has embedded firewalls that further secure it. The only way a company can obtain this barcode is through a code that is provided to them by the copyrighting company, which they utilize on our website to generate a barcode that is sent to the copyrighting company and manufacturer through an end-to-end encrypted channel.
How we built it
To build this project, we first had to understand the crux of the problem, which we later discovered is transportation. To end the transportation of counterfeiting goods, we needed to understand how, why, and where the goods travel. After that, we researched and began to formulate a solution. We knew simply making a barcode would not solve the problem, so we decided to partner with the copyright company in order to create a profitable result for both the manufacturer and the copyrighting company—while still promoting CounterCode to establish its presence. Therefore, we developed a plan that was not only intricate but also thorough, and will hopefully help mitigate or eventually end counterfeiting.
Challenges we ran into
Some of the challenges we ran into were finding ways to collaborate as all of us were in different time zones. We were unable to have constant meetings, and due to everyone's hectic schedules, it was extremely hard to manage. However, the biggest challenge was coming up with a prototype that could illustrate all of this as simply as possible.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
The concept note, infographic, and prototype are the elements we are proudest of, as they not only took ample time to produce but also came out better than we initially expected.
What we learned
We learned a lot about counterfeiting, policies used to stop counterfeiting, companies and their works, transportation, and the current state of counterfeiting through recorded statistics. However, we also learned about teamwork, patience, and resilience.
What's next for CounterCode
The next step for CounterCode would be to have most of the Fortune 1000 companies partnered with us and to find ways to make our barcode more compact and safe as both time and technology progresses.
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