Security marking system and method for minimizing pirating of data on data media including compact discs and digital versatile discs

摘要

The present invention is a method and system of marking data media products by introducing a predetermined tracing substance constituting a security marking into a polycarbonate (or polystyrene) composition during the manufacturing stages of the polycarbonate material into a data media, such as a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD). This marking technique is useful in tracking pirated data and/or sources, such as CDs or DVDs, to thereby prevent future pirating of data. Using mass spectrometry, specific types and/or quantities of isotopes of each tracing substance, on a structural level, are used to indicate a specific marking and product identity characteristics, such as a specific lot number, batch number, manufacturer identity, shipping date and the like. The security marking is preferably invisible to the naked eye. The security marking technique is also useful for tracking, authenticating and quality control purposes.