Nanogate AG gains Authentix as new licence partner
Saarbrücken, 29 November 2006. Nanogate AG (ISIN DE 000A0JKHC9) has signed a licence agreement in the growing product and brand protection market with Authentix Inc., the global leader in authentication, to provide products with forgery-proof comprehensive brand protection. Nanogate anticipates in 2007 the first licence payments and a positive effect on results of at least €100,000. Nanogate is extending its network by intensifying its partnership with the Centre for Applied Nanotechnology (CAN) in Hamburg.
As part of the licence agreement, Authentix is entitled to use selected Nanogate technology components for product and brand protection. These are special, nano-scale security markers that cannot be copied and can only be recognised through special identification technologies. The advantage of Nanogate technology is that the system can be used easily with inkjet printers and adapted flexibly to customers’ requirements. Pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and original spare parts can all be protected in this way. Nanogate will benefit from Authentix sales successes in the form of a license royalty payment. The contract also provides for a minimum annual payment. Demand for solutions that provide safe product and brand protection is increasing all over the world. According to WTO estimates, pirated goods now account for around 13% of world trade.
Ralf Zastrau, CEO of Nanogate AG, noted that “in Authentix, Nanogate has gained another strong selling partner for worldwide marketing of applications in the growing authentication industry. The signing of the agreement confirms the strategy of opening up increasingly complex, higher-margin segments of nanotechnology on a licence basis and extending internationalisation by means of partnerships.”
Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer, Authentix, said, “Nanogate has excellent technologies and extensive implementation expertise. Authentix is expanding its portfolio further by means of Nanogate technology and opening up new applications in the product and brand protection segment.”
Nanogate is extending its technology network by intensifying its partnership with the Centre for Applied Nanotechnology (CAN) in Hamburg. New projects are to be initiated as part of the partnership. “In Nanogate”, said Dr Frank Schröder-Oeynhausen, Managing Director of CAN GmbH, “we have gained another important industry partner. Our aim is to convert nanotechnology research results into commercial innovations. In the field of marker substance applications for safety engineering, the centre has already carried out important preliminary work that is now to be implemented in the market in cooperation between Nanogate and Authentix.”
