The Hologram Image Register (HIR) has received its first major makeover since its launch in 1993. The changes will come into effect in February 22.
The streamlining of the Copyright and IP section of the HIR secure portal will reduce the time taken for registration, which is a fully online process where artwork is submitted electronically to provide quicker design checks. The hologram manufacturer submitting a design search will be expected to have the authorisation of their customers to use copyrighted artwork provided for use in the final hologram.
This is achieved by acceptance in the portal of Warranties and Indemnities to that effect, significantly speeding up the whole verification process and ensures copyright / IP is clearly identified and protect for all parties.
IHMA chair Dr Paul Dunn, said: “The new, easier-to-use features are a beneficial step forward, representing a significant update and redesign of the HIR requirements. These reflect more accurately the way current holograms are designed and used, undoubtedly facilitating an increase in the registration of images and secure their integrity.”
The HIR includes more than 10,000 registrations, a number that is growing by the day. It has helped to prevent numerous attempts to source copy holograms, and has also helped to confirm that a suspect hologram was, indeed, a fake, which in turn has led to arrests and prosecution of the counterfeiters.
Moreover, registration of a hologram design with the HIR is increasingly a pre-condition of tenders and procurement, particularly by government bodies such as central banks, revenue authorities and passport issuers, as well as brand owners.
